ISIS: Security men on trail of ex-CJ Uwais' son

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62350

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

THURSDAY, MARCH 5 , 2015

Jonathan blames Bombardment of poor state of Boko Haram'll continue untill...—DHQs Enugu-PH Road on 8 past neglect 15

Role of security men on election day 43

ISIS: Security men on trail of ex-CJ Uwais' son

By Soni Daniel,

Regional Editor, North

•Left with his two wives about a month ago •Ex-CJN declines to comment

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2015 POLLS: APC, PDP brawl over Jega — Page 5

BUJA — Security agents were last night working frantically to track the whereabouts of a son of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais who was said to have joined the deadly Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The 41-year old son of the former CJN left home about a month ago with his two wives and has Continues on Page 4

Fuel scarcity to ease weekend 9 —FG OIL PRICE SLUMP: Oando

receives N47bn payout •Page 14 OBASANJO @ 78—Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (2nd R) tries to block Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, during a novelty football match between Governor’s Office team and Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library team at MKO Abiola training pitch, Kuto, Abeokuta, as part of activities marking his 78th birthday anniversary, yesterday. The match ended 2-1, with Obasanjo scoring the two goals. Photo: Wunmi Akinola.

The Stephen Keshi Debate... See Back Page COLUMNISTS: A Uruguay example: The only good addiction is love •P.17 C M Y K

Battleground South West •P.19

The Constitution and its endless amendments

•P.19

GAS CITY PROJECT: Ijaw, Itsekiri agree on ground-breaking 13

Mr & Mrs

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C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015 —3

C M Y K

4—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

ISIS: Security men on trail of Uwais' son Continues from Page 1

not been seen since.

One of the wives was a school principal, and the other a school administrator left with their husband without telling their parents.

Va n g u a r d g a t h e r e d that one of the wives reportedly told her parents she was going to Dubai for two weeks with her husband.

Neither the former CJN nor parents of one of the wives have heard from them since.

Contacted for his comments, the jurist told Vanguard he had no comments to make on the development.

In a telephone conversation with Vanguard in Abuja, the respected jurist, who was Nigeria’s Chief Justice between 1995 and 2006, neither confirmed nor denied the report published by a United States online medium, The Will, on March 4, 2015.

Reminded that the report had already gone viral, Uwais, who also spearheaded Nigeria’s electoral reforms, said that he had no comment on the matter.

“I don’t want to comment on hearsay,” the former CJN said.

The San Francisco based news medium had reported that the son of the retired judge, whose name it did not disclose, had joined ISIS after moving from Nigeria with his two wives and children in order to help fight alongside ISIS, which presently controls large territories in Iraq, Syria and Libya.

The medium said that the intelligence report came from Saudi Arabia, one of the over 50 countries alongside the United Nations that has designated ISIS as a terrorist organization.

If proven to be true, this would be the second time a member of a Nigerian elite family would be linked to a foreign terrorist group.

The first was the u n d e r w e a r b o m b e r, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, currently serving a life sentence without parole in the United States.

The Nigerian military a n d i t s We s t Af r i c a n C M Y K

allies are presently preoccupied with defeating the Boko Haram, a

Nigerian terrorist group responsible for thousands of brutal killings and

deadly bombings in northern Nigeria and border towns in Cameroon and Chad.

Jonathan promises to involve youths in his administration

By Benjamin Njoku

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RALLY: From left: First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; Governor Ibrahim Wada of Kogi State and his wife, Farida, at a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, women rally for President Goodluck Jonathan in Lokoja. PHOTO: NAN

Dame Jonathan, incredibly crude woman —APC zUrges Jonathan to stop desecrating religious institutions

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA — All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation, APCPCO, said yesterday that the wife of the President, Dame Patience Jonathan was “an incredibly crude woman” but thanked Nigerians for putting up with her attitude.

In a statement in Abuja, the organisation said Mrs Jonathan’s recent description of the presidential candidate of APC, General Muhammadu Buhari as “brain-dead” was both insulting and demeaning of her status as the First Lady.

APCPCO consequently urged President Goodluck Jonathan to call his wife to order in view of Abuja Peace Accord.

The statement signed by the Director, Media and Publicity Unit of the organisation, Mallam Garba Shehu, observed that “it was discourteous and inexcusable for a wife of any president with a modicum of decency to make such a false and infantile pronouncement about the health status of another man on account of politics.”

The APCPCO further recalled another of Mrs Jonathan’s

statement in Calabar, Cross River State where she urged PDP supporters to “stone” all those canvassing for change, saying she was invoking violence.

The statement added that it was below the standard of a wife of a president to stoop so low to call for violent attacks against members of the opposition.

Urges Jonathan to stop desecrating religious institutions Meanwhile, the APCPCO has accused President Goodluck Jonathan of turning worship centres into political platforms.

Mallam Garba Shehu in a statement said it was an “absurdity that defies the norms of government practices, and that the President is deliberately doing so “in the belief that the manipulation of religious sentiments would cover up the multitudes of his epic failures.”

According to Shehu, using worship centres as platforms for making major official statements could create precedents that the country

could not handle in the future.

He said if past Presidents did not use the mosques or churches to make official statements of public importance, it was wrong for President Jonathan to start something that is already sending the wrong message.

The statement said with the exploitation of religion for political gains, President Jonathan and his PDP-led government have lost any basis to accuse its presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, of being a religious “bigot” or “fanatic.”

Similarly, the APC presidential campaign also frowned at the reports of money allegedly shared to religious leaders by President Jonathan to get their support, describing it as scandalous.

It said it was incredibly embarrassed as to why a government would allegedly seek to bribe religious leaders to cover up its misdeeds and win re-election, despite its incompetence and nonperformance.

It regretted that bribing religious leaders would not only bring them into disrepute but also make nonsense of President Jonathan’s claim to fight corruption.

AGOS — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has promised to engage more Nigerian youths in his administration if he is re-elected on March 28.

Jonathan gave this promise while speaking at an interactive forum with the youths tagged, ‘#MeetThePresident” in Lagos.

Making reference to the likes of General Yakubu Gowon (retd), who became Head of State at the age of 33 and former Governor of old Rivers State, DietteSpiff, who was governor in his late twenties, Jonathan assured the youths of his desire to regularly engage with them in fora such as this, on a variety of issues to ensure he keeps abreast of pertinent issues affecting the youths.

Answering questions on his recent visits to Baga, Mubi and other north-east states, Jonathan explained that the visits were not as a result of the imminent elections,“rather it was based on the need to visit and assess the level of performance of the armed forces following their receipt of new weapons as well as ascertain the progress made in reclaiming territories formerly occupied by Boko Haram.”

Jonathan, however, noted that the recent gains being recorded in the war against insurgency had nothing to do with the politics of electioneering, stressing that the long awaited arrival of military equipment had increased the capacity of the armed forces to deal more effectively with the insurgents.

The second phase of the event was a youth rally where a large audience of about 5,000 youths turned up to show their support for President Jonathan.

The event featured speeches from supporters of the President.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

LEADING BY EXAMPLE: Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi plaiting the hair of a woman as he convinces her to vote for the All Progressives Congress(APC) during his door to door campaign in Bonny Island, Rivers State, Wednesday.

2015 POLLS: APC, PDP brawl over Jega The plots

By Henry Umoru & Gbenga Oke

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BUJA—THE ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, engaged in a brawl, yesterday, over alleged plot by government to surreptitiously deposit a huge amount of money into the bank account of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega in the name of APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

The opposition first raised the alarm of the plot, alleging that this was to justify the plan to sack Prof. Jega and stop him from organising the elections. The ruling party, however, countered the APC allegation, accusing the APC of scaremongering and trying to derail what it may have perceived as moves by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to subject Tinubu to scrutiny

over alleged infractions.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed at a press conference in Lagos, yesterday, insisted that desperation on the part of the PDP had led it to new plots in its determination to either scuttle the elections or make them neither free nor fair.

Flanked by Mallam Garba Shehu, spokesman to the APC presidential candidate, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (Retd), Mohammed said: “Indications are that those at the helms have grown so desperate that they do not even want the elections to hold. And even if the elections must hold at all, they must be held on their own terms: No PVCs, no Card Readers, no Jega, and the military must be deployed to intimidate voters!”

Observing that many Nigerians were not ignorant of the moves, Mohammed proceeded to roll out 10 plots he described as ‘evil plots’ allegedly being pushed by the PDP to frustrate free and fair polls.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Life isn’t perfect, but it sure is good. Our goal shouldn’t be to create a perfect life, but to live an imperfect life in radical amazement —Mack & Angel Hack

I

TS okay to have down days and tough times.

Expecting life to be wonderful all the time is wanting to swim in an ocean in which waves only rise up and never come crashing down. However, when you recognize that the rising and crashing waves are part of the exact same ocean, you are able to let go and be at peace with the reality of these ups and downs. It becomes clear that life’s ups require life’s downs.

To get up every morning and take a good look around in a way that takes nothing for granted.

Everything is extraordinary. Every day is a gift .

Never treat life casually. To be spiritual in any way is to be amazed in every way.

Mohammed alleged thus: *There is a plot to transfer a humongous amount of money into the bank account of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, and then claim that the money came from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in order to justify the ongoing plan to sack Prof.

Jega so he won’t organize the elections. *Beyond Jega, there is also a plan to credit the bank accounts of some key national institutions with huge amounts of money purportedly from our party, the APC, ostensibly to compromise those institutions. *There is plan to use some political parties that are satellites of the PDP to push for the postponement of the elections again. The plot is to get the parties to address a press conference to say the elections should not hold in the North-east until Sept. 2015 because of the ongoing counterinsurgency battle there.

The intention is to make sure Jega’s tenure expires before the polls, so that they can appoint a malleable card-carrying member of the PDP as INEC Chair to conduct the polls. *There is a plan to use the security agencies to intimidate key opposition leaders as well as the N i g e r i a n Communications Commission (NCC) and telecommunications service providers to disrupt voice and data transmission, especially in APC strongholds, on election day.

"As we have said earlier, the telephones of our leaders have been bugged, and their movements are being daily monitored. Top on the list of the security agencies to be used

against the opposition is the DSS, which will be used to compel all Resident Electoral Commissioners in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to hand over the names and telephone numbers of all INEC’s regular and ad hoc staff who will conduct the elections, as part of the Jonathan Administration’s rigging plans.

"It is no longer news that a signal has been sent to all state commands of the DSS to get the list of all INEC Returning Officers and Ad hoc Staff before March 10."

He continued: *There is also the ongoing illegal recruitment of over 500 new cadets into one of the country’s security outfits, 50% of whom are from the home state of the outfit’s top brass, in violation of the provisions of the Constitution, especially as the recruitment does not reflect the Federal Character. *Nocturnal meetings are being held between various heads of national security agencies and the leadership of the PDP to undermine the coming elections *The Presidency has retained the services of two Israelis and a Belgian who are currently holed up in the Aso Rock Villa to hack and corrupt INEC computers on election day, with the trio having already been paid 25 per cent of their contract fees upfront.

Card reader, etc

*There is an ongoing effort to compromise the card reader, which the Jonathan Administration sees as inimical to its rigging plans. *Huge funds are being provided for retired and serving security personnel to buy up PVCs, with the hope that they can be used once the card reader is compromised. Remember, gentlemen that there is a case in court seeking to declare the use of the card reader in the forthcoming elections unconstitutional. *In the days leading up to the elections, the Jonathan Administration is planning to give the opposition the Ekiti treatment by massively arresting key opposition leaders, with a view to destabilizing their ranks, putting them away and paving the way for a free rein of their rigging agents. Towards this end, thousands of signed blank detention orders have been procured. * As part of the plan to implicate our leaders, illegal substances may be put into their checked-in luggage during local and international flights. That is why we are calling on our leaders to travel only with their carry-on baggage."

Mohammed rejected submissions that the party was raising a false alarm as he affirmed that all

previous claims of the party, including the plot to postpone the election came to pass.

APC thrives on lies — PDP

Responding to the allegations, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh in a statement said the APC had again confirmed the ruling party’s assertion that the opposition party thrived on lies.

“Indeed, Nigerians are not surprised at the contents of the recent false alarms by the APC as they are undoubtedly a reflection of the character, inner thoughts and ideology of its leaders.

These ignoble ideas are clearly incompatible with the ideology of the PDP and President Jonathan who has over time demonstrated the qualities of a true democrat and not a reformed one”, the party said.

“The PDP noted that the opposition in its penchant for falsehood failed to realize that under the current financial system, it is practically impossible to transfer the so-called humongous amount of money into any bank account without the source being traced by relevant independent financial monitoring bodies like the EFCC. “In any case, we note that the allegation by APC is suspect and betrays an attempt to cover-up. We ask, is it that the APC has already been paying monies into accounts of INEC officials and some institutions of government with a view to compromising them and is now using the allegation as a subterfuge to distract the financial monitoring agencies and cover its tracks?

“We challenge the APC to come out clear on the actual link between its leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, whose antecedents and reputation are well known to all and the said transfer plot? Was Tinubu’s name also dropped by the APC as a strategy to pre-empt findings by anti-graft agencies in a bid to cover a crime?

“Whilst we note that nothing is beyond a desperate party like the APC, which has

continued to manifest its crass lack of integrity, we charge relevant agencies to immediately investigate the allegations and possibly unravel its evil plots.

“We have also noted the hues and cries of the opposition regarding the issue of PVCs and Card readers for the elections but Nigerians are not short in their memory to recall that it is not the PDP but APC that had issues with security agencies over attempts to hack into INEC’s database and to clone the PVCs. “It is also not the PDP but the APC that has complicities with some compromised INEC officials on biased distribution of PVCs in select states especially, Lagos and other APC states,” the PDP said.

The ruling party also debunked allegations of plans to use security agencies to intimidate or implicate opposition leaders describing such as “part of APC’s worn out antics of attempting to use nuisance alarm to heat up the system having failed to articulate credible manifesto to secure genuine followership among Nigerians.

“Nigerians are aware that this is not the first time the opposition would be raising such alarms just for Nigerians to find out that they are lies. We have here a group of people who are being haunted by failure and self-inflicted woes. APC has all along been deluding itself as a government in waiting with some phantom popular image it created for itself in the social media. Now that reality has dawned it in the face, it has resorted to deploying all manners of antics in a failed attempt to win the sympathy of Nigerians”, it said.

Restating its readiness for the March 28 and April 11 elections, the ruling party said: “APC’s resort to wild allegations and baseless utterances are aimed at causing confusion, a clear indication that the opposition is indeed scared of the elections, having been exposed in their deceit, empty promises and apparent lack of capacity to lead the nation.”

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

EJIGBO TORTURE:

Court fixes March 20 for arraignment

By Abdulwahab Abdulah, Bartholomew Madukwe & Victor Ogunsola

Suspected political thugs, their pump action rifle and charms paraded by police in Ibadan.

PHOTO: Dare Fasube.

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HE arraignment of 10 persons charged before a Lagos High Court in Lagos for allegedly torturing three women at the Oba Morufu International Market in Ejigbo, a suburb of Lagos, in February 2013, was yesterday adjourned till March 20.

The defendants are Isiaka Waidi, 60; Saheed Adisa, 28; Lateef Tijani, 37; Ahmed Adisa, 65; Adekunle Adenuga, 57; Azeez Akinosun, 35; Jimoh Busari, 49; Buhari Yusuf, 21; Abdullahi Haruna, 19 and Oloruntoyin Dauda, 45.

According to the charge, the defendants unlawfully assaulted one Ajoke Agomo by stripping her naked, beating her up and rubbing pepper all over her body.

The defendants were also accused of unlawfully inserting a stick into the private parts of one Nike Salami and Juliana Omo at the said market.

Welder accused of raping 8-month pregnant woman

By Onozure Dania & Tayo Ogundipe

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AGOS—A 25-year-old welder, Monday Maule, was yesterday docked before a Tinubu magistrate’s court sitting in Lagos Island, for allegedly raping an eight months pregnant woman.

Maule is a neighbour to the victim.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Daniel Ighodalo, told the court that the incident took place on February 23, while she was asleep at 4:30am.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.

Magistrate Ajayi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N250,000, with two responsible sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case to March 23 for legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP.

Widow hides husband’s corpse for three years

By Evelyn Usman

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OLICEMEN attached to Ojokoro Division in Lagos have arrested a 60-year-old woman and her two children for allegedly refusing to release the corpse of her late husband to his family members for proper burial, three years after his demise.

Rather, the decomposing body of her late husband, identified as Jimoh Shittu, was reportedly discovered at her family ’s house at Ojokoro area of the state, Tuesday, by the Police.

Vanguard gathered that there had been a strained relationship between the widow, Mrs Joy Shittu, and members of her late husband’s family, before his demise.

A member of the late Shittu’s family, who spoke on condition of anonymity told Vanguard: “We were not aware that our brother was dead.

“All we were made to understand each time we called was that he was not medically fit. Since he passed on, Joy (the widow) prevented us from seeing his corpse.

“First, she made attempt to bury his body at our mother’s home town in Delta State, which is against our tradition.

“Since then, we did not know where the body was until Tuesday, when we got hint that it was kept at her family’s house at 14b, Olaitan Mustapha, off Clem Road, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ojokoro.

“When the body was retrieved by the Police, we discovered it was embalmed and that he died three years ago.”

The 60-year-old widow told policemen that her reason for attempting to bury her late husband in Warri, Delta State, was to fulfil his wish, adding

that the building she intended burying him was his.

She further explained that on reaching Delta State, it was discovered that the building in

question was occupied by a new owner, who claimed it was sold to him by her late husband.

Asked why she refused to hint her husband’s family about his demise, she simply attributed it to the strained relationship.

The widow and her two

children, whose identities were given as Aishat and Toyin, were said to have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, yesterday, for further investigation , while the corpse had been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.

Women, police clash over disputed Prince Erediauwa's land

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—A mild drama ensued at the site of the disputed land between Edo State governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, and a son of the Oba of Benin, Prince Ekpen Erediauwa, yesterday, as protesting women chased away workers at the site at OkoroOtun Street, GRA, Benin.

The women, who wore symbolic red robe on their dresses, invaded the parcel of land and performed some traditional rites on it, insisting that it was now sacrilegious for anyone to work on the land.

One of the protesters said: “Do not sell the entire Benin.

He (governor) should leave the land for him. This land belongs

to the Oba of Benin and by extension, the Prince.

“Nobody can drag this property with Prince Ekpen Erediauwa. Anyone laying claims to this property should please back off.

“We will not fold our arms and watch someone take over what belongs to our Prince.”

Earlier, there was mild scuffle at the scene between the protesters and policemen, who tried to stop the women from occupying the land and journalists from covering the event.

The resistance was, however, deflated by the presence of Prince Ekpen Erediauwa and his team, who suddenly appeared at the scene.

Speaking with journalists,

Prince Erediauwa challenged the state government or Governor Oshiomhole to provide proof that the land belonged to the state.

Prince Erediauwa said: “Is the land state’s property? Is it a personal property? Whichever one they lay claim to, they should show proof. My lawyers have requested for documentation from the state.

“Has the governor shown you proof that he owns the land? No. I am a Nigerian and I will not allow anyone to violate my rights and privileges.

“It is unfortunate the courts are on strike, otherwise we would have secured injunction first. After that, we will go to proof of ownership.”

Travellers stranded as students shut down Kwale-Asaba Expressway over fees hike

By Perez Brisibe

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GHELLI—TRAVELLERS plying the ever busy Kwale-Asaba Expressway were, yesterday, stranded for over two hours as students of Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Delta State, grounded all forms of vehicular movements along the Ozoro axis in protest against sudden hike in school fees by management of the institution.

The protest, which was said to have started at about 1pm, lasted for over two hours and brought activities within the school to a halt.

The students, who carried placards with inscriptions such as “reduce our school fees now” and “return to the old school fees,” said they would not call off the protest unless the school authorities reverse its decision.

It took the timely intervention

of police officers from Ozoro Police Division, code-named Dragon Squad, who were promptly drafted to the scene to maintain law and order, for the protest not to turn violent.

Speaking to Vanguard, a female student of the Business Administration Department in the institution, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the students were protesting the sudden increase of school fees

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015—7

Woman gags, binds, abandons 2-yr-old step-daughter in Ogun

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA—A housewife, Christanah Faturoti, 28, has been arrested by Ogun State Police Command over alleged attempt to murder her two-year-old -step-daughter on February 17.

Vanguard gathered that the suspect had reportedly gagged the girl, tied her hands behind

z‘My husband is paying her too much attention' her, left her in a room and went to her place of work. She is an attendant at a petrol station in the town.

Vanguard reliably gathered that it was noises made by the baby that attracted some passers-by, who reported to the police in the town.

Whe the policemen were alerted, they reportedly raced to the scene and forced open the door.

According to an eyewitness, the police immediately rescued the baby and rushed her to a hospital.

The suspect was subsequently

TRANSPORTATION: Chairman, Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State, Alhaji Taninu Isma’ila-kira (left), presenting motorcycles and bicycles to 24 traditional village heads and 361 traditional ward heads, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

arrested and transferred to Police Zonal Headquarters in Abeokuta for further investigation.

Baby's mother

It was learned that the biological mother of the victim was said to be mentally deranged, which reportedly prompted the decision of the father to put the baby in care of the step-mother.

The suspect, who has a oneyear-old baby, confessed to the crime, saying she acted in that manner because her husband was paying too much attention to the step-daughter than her.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect would be charged to court on completion of investigation.

He said it was a criminal offence that should not be swept under the carpet.

Adejobi said: “Everybody is surprised over the action of the woman. How can you beat your step-daughter into coma, gag and tie her hands. It is not only barbaric, it is criminal. The woman would be charged to court.”

He called on parents, whose children live with relatives, to ensure adequate monitoring.

Police storm kidnappers’ den, rescue corporal, 2 others

By Emma Amaize

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SABA—KIDNAPPERS, yesterday, fled and abandoned their weapons as a Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Asaba, Delta State, stormed their den in a forest at Ibusa, to rescue a policeman, Corporal Abraham Ujah, and two others abducted by the gangsters.

The police team, led by a Superintendent of Police recovered a pump action rifle

from N32,000 to N54,850 for old and new students.

The students alleged that three of their colleagues were rushed to the hospital for medical attention, having sustained gunshot injuries from stray bullets during the protest.

Public Relations Officer, PRO, of the institution, Mr. B. Ekanem, declined commenting on the protest, saying he was not in the right mood.

When contacted, state Police PRO, DSP Celestina Kalu, denied that any student was shot during the protest.

from the four-man gang which, on February 26, kidnapped two men and a lady at a construction site in Ibusa.

They were all rescued.

Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State, DSP Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the rescue, said: “In a followup investigation, operatives of Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad, led by SP John Nwede, acting on a tip-off, stormed the hideout of the kidnappers at Ibusa forest and rescued the three victims, among whom is

Cpl Abraham Ujah, unhurt.

“The hoodlums escaped and abandoned one pump action gun, which was promptly recovered.”

She asserted that before the anti-kidnapping squad stepped in, the DPO, Ibusa Division, had mobilized a patrol team to the scene and recovered from the scene one permanent voter’s card, PVC, one Fidelity Bank ATM card and one I.D. card, all belonging to one Pastor Okonkwo Paul, the site engineer.

“Also recovered are two police identity cards bearing Cpl Abraham Ujah, one purse and a hand bag containing ID cards and N10,540 belonging to one Onochie Onukate Ethel,” she added.

Other items recovered were one motor battery, food flask, six office files, one Audi car, with number plate ASB 290 AG and one Nissan Almeria vehicle, AE 767 BKW. The recovered items are suspected to be the properties of kidnap victims.

63-yr-old man crushed to death, 2 injured in Lagos

By Evelyn Usman

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commercial bus rammed into a restaurant, killing a 63-year-old man in Agege area of Lagos.

The lives of two other persons, a female attendant and a customer are said to be hanging in the balance as doctors were, at press time, still battling to resuscitate them at an undisclosed hospital.

The incident occurred at about 7.30am at Pen-cinema, after the bus driver reportedly parked the car in front of the restaurant and went in to eat, leaving the bus conductor behind.

The bus conductor, whose identity was given as Ibadan, was said to have turned on the ignition, forcing the bus to skid.

The vehicle ran into the restaurant, causing those inside to run in different directions.

Unfortunately for a 63-yearold man identified as Onabiyi Adio, the vehicle rammed into him before it rested on a metal.

Spokesman for Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, gave identities of those at the hospital as Ibrahim Saula and Zainab Ola. He said the driver of the vehicle had been arrested and the corpse of Adeo deposited in the mortuary.

25-yr-old girl shot dead in Delta

By Emma Amaize

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SABA—SUSPECTED armed robbers have shot dead a 23-year-old girl, Favour Ogun, after robbing her of N30,000 cash at Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State.

The deceased was returning home at about 9pm when two armed men accosted and shot her dead.

She was rushed to Ogwashi-Uku General Hospital for medical attention, but gave up the ghost.

Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, DSP, Celestina Kalu, said, in a statement, yesterday: “On receipt of the report, detectives swung into action and arrested one Chuks Ojie, aged 25, of Azungwu quarters, Ogwashi-Uku in connection with the crime.

“Investigation is in progress, while efforts are on to arrest the other fleeing suspects.”

Police nab suspected robber in Anambra

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

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N I T S H A — POLICE in Anambra State have arrested a member of a suspected four-man robbery gang that specializes in terrorizing innocent citizens within the New Auto Spare Parts Flyover axis in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state and its environs.

The suspect, whose identity is not yet ascertained, was caught while allegedly trying to rob a female customer of one of the new generation banks within the Flyover axis.

According to the source, the suspect was apprehended when he allegedly dispossessed the customer of an undisclosed amount of money.

It was gathered when the victim came out of the said bank, the suspect quietly walked up to her and ordered her to surrender the money she just cashed from the bank and she obeyed, as he had shown her a pistol.

8—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

Air, land bombardment of Boko Haram'll not stop until....

—Defence hqtrs

By Kingsley Omonobi

A

BUJA — AS the battle to liberate more Nigerian territories still in the hands of Boko Haram terrorists continues, the Nigerian military vowed yesterday not to relent until every part of the country is finally rid of insurgency.

At a press conference in Abuja, spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, Major General Chris Olukolade said: “We are conscious that the fight is not over and the Nigerian military will therefore not relent. Nothing will be taken for granted. All Nigerians are equally enjoined to maintain this posture.”

He then urged Nigerians to “at all times remain vigilant and conscious of our environment and be on the look out for unrepentant terrorists, their collaborators or sympathizers who will stop at nothing in their resolve to destroy our country and civilisation.”

While commending Nigerians across every stratum for the recent show of solidarity with the military, including staging rallies in its support, Olukolade, however, warned the media to be especially wary of cynics and saboteurs who are generally unhappy that the war against terror was being won.

He said: ”However, while these support and show of love are being savoured, the attitude and activities of segments of the society who are still hell bent on undermining the morale of our fighting force by deliberately playing down the operational successes so far achieved remains very unfortunate indeed.

“In a bid to spitefully drown the efforts of our troops, this group of people have been mischievously reporting the supportive roles of foreign allies to the detriment of our operational success in the fight against terror.

“They go to every extent to ridicule, taunt or project every falsehood, purely to score some points in the clandestine sympathy for the terrorists.

This unpatriotic posture is directly or indirectly undermining the esteemed status of Nigeria in the comity of nations.”

APC Senators stall screening of Obanikoro, insist he must be dropped zAs Senate defers screening to next week

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA — STIFF opposition from All Progressives Congress, APC, Senators and few members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday stalled screening of the former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, for ministerial appointment.

The Senate, however, screened four of the eight nominees forwarded by President Goodluck Jonathan to fill the vacant positions created as a result of the resignation of former ministers who contested party primaries in their states.

As a result of the controversy the nomination of Senator Obanikoro has generated, Senate President David Mark embarked on a closed-door session where he tried to persuade Senators to follow the tradition of the Senate where a former Senator would be asked to take a bow and leave without being asked questions.

But this did not go down well with APC Senators who had stoutly opposed the clearance of Senator Obanikoro over his alleged involvement in the Ekiti governorship election.

they had left the Senate Mark, according to the source, had pleaded that there should be no questions for Obanikoro in obedience to the established rule, arguing that if Senators were allowed to ask questions, there was no way the issue of Ekiti saga would not be mentioned.

It was gathered that the Senate President diplomatically

succeeded in persuading the Senators to take the screening in batches with the hope that before next week, things might change and that if nothing changed, the remaining nominees would be screened.

The APC Senators had last week protested the inclusion of Obanikoro following his alleged role in the Ekiti election and had

Screened nominees

Closed-door session

A source privy to the closed-door session said the session was rowdy for more than 30 minutes as APC Senators and few of their colleagues from the PDP had maintained their positions despite the plea from the Senate President who had reminded members that it could be their turn one day after

even insinuated that in some other climes, President Jonathan should have resigned.

Besides, they claimed that the three Senators representing Ekiti in the Senate had opposed the nomination of Obanikoro and had also allegedly written to the President to register their protest, demanding the withdrawal of the nomination.

The Senators further reasoned that there was even a case against Obanikoro to that effect pending in court, and the nomination should not be mentioned in the Senate.

However, one of the Senators was of the view that since there was an existing tradition of allowing a former member to bow and go, there was no need asking Obanikoro questions, adding that it would also mount to sub-judice to ask him questions on a matter that is pending in court.

On resumption, Mark while reporting progress only said that at the closed-door session, issues of national importance were discussed.

UNCONFIRMED: Ministerial nominee, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, shortly after the Senate adjourned sitting without his being screened for the second time at the National Assembly, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan

The four nominees screened were, Senator Patricia Akwashiki from Nasarawa State, who was, according to the tradition of the Senate as a former Senator, told to take a bow and go.

Also screened were Prof.

Nicholas Ada from Benue State, Col. Augustine Akobundu (retd), Abia State and Engr. Fidelis Nwankwo from Ebonyi State.

The remaining nominees whose screening was deferred till Tuesday apart from Obanikoro were Mrs. Hauwa’u Lawan, Mr. Kenneth Kobani and Senator Joel Ikenya.

80% of PVCs distributed natinwide —INEC

By Jude Opara

A

BUJA — AHEAD of the forthcoming 2015 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says it has distributed well over 80 per cent of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to registered voters across the country.

This is also as the electoral body has promised to explain to Nigerians the computation error that caused discrepancies of about 83,645 voters in the total registered voters of 68,833,476 which it has maintained are the certified registered voters in its data bank.

National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education and Chairman of Voter Education Publicity Committee, VEP, Dr. Chris Iyimoga told a world press

conference, yesterday, in Abuja while presenting the commission’s readiness to test-run the card readers to douse the fear of skeptics on the ability of the device to function effectively.

According to him, the PVCs collection as at Tuesday, March 3 stands at 55,232, 875 representing 80.2 per cent PVCs of the total number. He, therefore, urged other voters yet to collect their PVCs to do so within the remaining few days before March 8.

Iyimoga further revealed that the commission had taken delivery of the remaining one million PVCs from the producers, adding that arrangements are being made to distribute them to their respective areas for easy collection by their owners.

He, however, said while the commission was working to conclude the distribution of the

PVCs by March 8, it might also need to look at the possibility of a final date of the PVCs distribution owing to the latest delivery of the outstanding one million cards which the commission has just taken delivery of.

“Let me make this very clear and I want you to take me by my words, the commission has made the commitment that by the 8th of this month which is Sunday we are likely to say collections of PVCs should stop.

“The commission is also going to be in position to make a categorical statement about when this PVCs are to be distributed finally because we have told this nation that we still have about a million which we expect this week and in fact, I spoke with the director ICT and he said he has gotten in and we will see what time we will give for those who are yet to collect theirs to do so.”

On computation error

On the computation error, Iyimoga argued that arithmetical computation on the Microsoft Excel-sheet are ordinarily expected to meet precision but added that there may have been a mix-up somewhere which made the computation not have come out well.

“Well I do not know, I do not want to answer this but I know when people use Excel sheets, arithmetical computations should be exact, with this observation, the best I can do is to get in touch with the ICT so that they can give us an explanation for that. " I won’t dare tell you a lie on what I do not understand.

I want to believe that it is a computation that did not come out well. We will look at his please.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015—9

Fuel scarcity to ease weekend — FG

By Michael Eboh

A

BUJA — The Federal Government, yesterday, assured Nigerians that the current fuel scarcity witnessed across the country will ease off before weekend, even as major petroleum marketers said they have deployed 495 truckloads of petrol, with a minimum capacity of 33,000 litres each to Lagos and Abuja.

Speaking after a meeting with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN; Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA; oil marketers and depot owners, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, disclosed that the Federal Government had addressed all issues in contention with the marketers, including those on foreign exchange rate differentials and payment for subsidy.

According to her, the Federal Government has agreed to pay the N30 billion, about N6 trillion, exchange rate differentials owed marketers over the last couple of months, and is already in the process of offsetting the N185 billion debts owed the marketers with the issuance of Sovereign Debt Notes, SDNs, which is a guarantee used for the payment of imported petroleum products.

She said the Federal Government had been in talks with the marketers over the last 10 days, adding that the President wants Nigerians to know that he is working on the situation and committed to resolving the issue in the shortest possible time.

She urged marketers to be patriotic in their dealings with the government as the issue affects all and sundry, while commending Nigerians for their patience, saying the crisis will be over in the next couple of days.

She said: “In the next few days, the queues will dissipate, the situation will be addressed and everything will return to normal. At the Federal Executive Council meeting today (yesterday), the issue was discussed in terms of pushing forward and making sure things get back to normal.”

Banks open $500m LCs for oil marketers

Also speaking, CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said the apex bank met with banks and oil marketers to resolve all the contending issues associated with credit facilities, adding that in the last one week, over $500 million Letters of Credit, LCs, had been opened by banks on behalf of the marketers to facilitate fuel importation.

He called on any marketer who is experiencing delays with the LCs to alert the CBN, promising to step in and ensure

the issue is resolved amicably.

495 truckloads of fuel for Lagos, Abuja

Speaking on behalf of the oil marketers, Executive Secretary, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN, Mr. Obafemi Olawore, promised that the queues will ease off in the next few days, as the marketers had moved about 495 truckloads of fuel to Lagos, Abuja and environs.

According to him, massive movement of fuel has been going on since the last three days, while three of its members have imported three cargoes of PMS due to agreements with the CBN and the Finance Ministry.

He, however, denied allegations that oil marketers are working with the opposition party or any other political party to frustrate the government of the day, stating that issues on fuel subsidy payment had been ongoing since November last year.

Breakdown of trucks' movement

He said: “On Monday, major marketers moved 132 truckloads of fuel to Lagos, while 87 truckloads were moved to Abuja, and this is exclusive of the quantity moved by the NNPC, independent marketers and other marketers.

“On Tuesday, 137 trucks were moved to Lagos, while 139 trucks were for Abuja. You can see that the amount we moved to Abuja on Tuesday was far more than the quantity we moved on Monday. It normally takes between three and four days to transport the fuel from Lagos to Abuja, hence we believe the queues will ease off by weekend latest.

“Our actions are deliberate to ensure that the queues vanish and normalcy returns. I want to tell Nigerians that the tougher days are over, normalcy is expected to return pretty soon.”

We've 33 days of products in storage — PPPRA

Similarly, Executive Secretary, PPPRA, Mr. Farouk Ahmed, said the agency had issued allocation to eight companies to import PMS in the month of March, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and the Pipelines Products Marketing Company, PPMC, will be importing over one billion litres of the commodity in the same month.

According to him, with the over 500 million litres of fuel in the NNPC depots offshore Lagos and other depots across the country, Nigeria has total national sufficiency of 33 days.

He said: “What this means is that if there was no additional importation of fuel in Nigeria in the next couple of days, we still have stock for the next 33 days.

Hence, there is no need for concern and panic buying. We are not only concentrating on Lagos alone, but alsoon other urban and rural areas.”

zTo pay marketers N30bn exchange rate differentials zMarketers deploy 495 truckloads of fuel to Lagos, Abuja zBanks open $500m LCs for oil marketers — CBN zWe have 33 days of products in storage — PPPRA

MEETING: From left: CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, The Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Minister of State for Finance, Amb. Bashiru Yuguda during a meeting with major oil marketers and PPPRA, in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

In addition, representative of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association, DAPPMA, Mr. Olufemi

Adewole, said: “The tightness currently witnessed across the country will soon become a thing of the past. Our members are currently meeting with banks to

open Letters of Credit. Once approved, cargoes of fuel will be imported.”

Why we suggested a shift in election date — Badeh zSays position has no political undertone

By Evelyn Usman

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AGOS — THE military, yesterday, broke its silence on the controversy surrounding the shift in election date, saying its position had no political undertone.

Rather, it said the reason for its suggestion for a shift was to enable it take delivery of the long awaited weapons with which to tackle terrorists in the North eastern part of the country.

Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, gave the explanation while receiving drugs and other items worth over N70 million donated by the Association of Pharmaceutical Importers of Nigeria, APIN to assist the Nigerian Armed Forces in the war against insurgents.

He attributed the delay in the delivery of the weapons to the seeming prolonged action in tackling the Boko Haram insurgents, boasting that since the arrival of the weapons, the military had made visible head way.

He said: “I do not want to

bring politics into it, whoever wants to bring politics into what we are doing, it's left for him. I want whoever is saying that to know that war machines are not picked up from the shelf, if it were, we would have got them.

“When you make orders, it takes time to produce and it takes time also to train on them. So, we did not place the orders today, we had placed orders before now and when they started coming, we asked for more time to combat the insurgents before the elections. I can guarantee you that there is no politics in the demand for shift in date, it is just because we were receiving the equipment.”

Calling on the need for the civilian populace to support the military in the ongoing fight against insurgency, Badeh said: “Part of the overall strategy of tackling insecurity is to build synergy with the civil populace, especially for support and vigilance in reporting the activities of suspicious elements and the movements of insurgents.

“This is borne out of our

strong conviction that the war against insurgents is not a war for the armed forces alone. As I have always said, when the military is at war, it is not the military alone that is at war, rather it is the entire nation.

"Accordingly, all instrument of national power, ranging from diplomatic, informational, military to economic are employed to ensure that threats to national security are contained and defeated.”

Commending the APIN and other companies who earlier made similar donations to the military, Badeh noted that such gesture was a clear demonstration of concern and support for the military in the ongoing war against terrorists, despite antics of some unpatriotic persons.

Earlier, President of the APIN, Sir Nnamdi Obi, disclosed that the association was “making available to the Nigerian Armed Forces over N70 million worth of drugs that cut across various therapeutic class.

10— Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

‘Synagogue building collapsed due to

foundation overload'

By AbdulwahabAbdulah, Bartholomew Madukwe & Victor Ogunsola

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AGOS—A structural engineer, Mr Saheed Ariyori, yesterday, told the Coroner's Inquest investigating the September 12, 2014 building collapse at the Synagogue Church Of All Nations, that the load imposed on the foundation was far more than what the foundation can bear, hence the collapse.

He said: “It was a wrong choice of foundation base. The foundation should have been continuous base and not a pad as was used in the construction.

“Based on all the tests and the calculations, we discovered that from inception, the building failed because the base that was supposed to take the load was grossly inadequate.”

Ariyori, a consultant with the Lagos State Material Testing Agency, told the court that he has 30 years experience.

Testifying before the coroner’s inquest, Ariyori said he was part of the team of structural and geotechnical engineers that carried out a Structural Integrity Test on the building after it collapsed.

Ariyori, who was led in evidence

by Mr. Akingbolahan Adeniran,

counsel to the Lagos State Government, maintained that the team took samples of materials used in the building to the laboratory for test and also took measurements of the foundation bases.

He noted that since the church did not furnish them with the building’s designs, the team

had to simulate the building to arrive at their conclusions.

According to him: “The minimum base that will be required should have been 4.5 metres by 4.5 metres but what we had there was 2.2 metres by 2.2 metres.”

Ayiroyi demonstrated the defect before the court after being

provided with a copy of the structural design, which he took about one hour in doing the calculation.

Responding to the claim, the church’s counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo, asked the coroner to adjourn his cross-examination of the witness to enable him consult with the church’s engineers.

BRIEFING: Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo (left) and Globacom’s Head of Business Support, Mr. Yomi Ogunbamowo at the 2015 Lisabi Festival press briefing at Ake Palace, Abeokuta, yesterday.

FAULTY DOCUMENTATION:

NCAA to fine foregn private

aircraft N200m

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By Lawani Mikairu & Daniel Eteghe

AGOS—DIRECTOR General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman, yesterday, said that the regulatory authority will fine any foreign registered privately operated aircraft the sum of N200 million for falling to regularise their documentation in conformity with the agency’s regulations.

Capt. Usman, who gave the warning, said the authority was ready to commence the regime of stipulated sanctions on the erring operators.

According to him, “The sanctions will include grounding of operations, revocation of license and outright seizure of aircraft forthwith. The use of these operators’ aircraft for commercial operations is at variance with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation, Nig.CARs 9.1.1.4[a][b] which is tantamount to gross violation.

“All private operators that have been issued with NCAA’s Flight Operations Clearance Certificate, FOCC and Maintenance Clearance Certificate, MCC, in line with Nig.CARs 8.2.1.9, are by these certification authorised to operate within Nigeria strictly for private operation only and not for hire and reward.”

Captain Usman added that on the strength of the above provision,

he was prepared to revoke the operating license of any identified defaulting private operator.

It will be recalled that a committee was earlier set up by

the Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka to take a holistic appraisal of their operations. The committee has since submitted its report.

“Part of the recommendations

of the committee, is the revocation of a defaulting operator’s license and have his aircraft impounded immediately. Thereafter, a mandatory payment of $100,000 fine will be required to secure the release of the aircraft."

INEC to take delivery of 400,000 PVCs in Lagos

By Charles Kumolu

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AGOS—THE Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, in Lagos State has said that it will take delivery of 400, 000 Permanent Voters’ Cards, PVCs, next week, lamenting that a little over 1.8 million PVCs were still uncollected in the state.

It also noted that it would conduct the field testing of about 50 Smart Card Readers across

50 polling units in Lagos on March 7, 2015, so as to ascertain their functionality.

Briefing newsmen, yesterday, in Lagos, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr. Akin Orebiyi, said no fewer than 12, 125 card readers would be deployed across the polling units during the general elections.

He said: ‘’We want to access the efficiency and effectiveness of the smart card readers. We are

also going to find out how long it takes to accredit an intending voter. If there are challenges in that process, we will correct such challenges. Lagos and Ekiti states have been chosen for this exercise in the South West geo-political zone.

"The exercise will hold on Saturday in a chosen electoral ward. In Lagos, we decided to chose a ward in Ikeja Local Government Area. We chose Ikeja because it is the capital of this state."

Ambode no match for Agbaje, says Lagos square up on April 11, in the posters in strategic areas of the PDP chair governorship election. state, especially the ones on the

L

By Dapo Akinrefon

AGOS—THE Lagos State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Tunji Shelle, has said that there was no way the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Akinwunmi Ambode will defeat the PDP’s governorship candidate, Jimi Agbaje when both candidate

Shelle also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure a level playing field for all the governorship candidates and reject any form of coercion or inducement from the ruling party in Lagos.

Speaking with newsmen in Lagos, Shelle who condemned the defacement of Agbaje’s

Third Mainland Bridge, said while the Lagos PDP was busy, moving from one location to another, vigorously campaigning for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan and Agbaje’s emergence as the next governor of Lagos, the APC was busy with campaign of calumny, mudslinging and politics of hate across the state.

Suit on passage of PIB suffers setback

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By Innocent Anaba

AGOS—A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, struck out an ex parte application praying for an order of mandamus compelling the National Assembly to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill.

Trial judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba struck out the suit by a lawyer, Mr. Okiogbero Edhebru, for lacking in merit.

Edhebru, in the suit, had asked the court for “a judicial review of the applicant’s right to wit an order of mandamus compelling the National Assembly, their agents and privies to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He sought a declaration that the failure, neglect and refusal or ommission of the National Assembly to pass the PIB had denied him and other Nigerians access to investment, a situation, which he argued, had led to unemployment and slow economic growth.

ELECTIONS:

Agbaje backs use of military

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By Ikenna Asomba

AGOS—THE Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, has thrown his weight behind the use of military for the general elections billed for March 28 and April 11, describing the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, as bad losers for kicking against the move.

Speaking when a sociocultural group, Association of North and South Traditional Leaders, ANSTL, endorsed him and President Goodluck Jonathan as their candidates for the March 28, Agbaje slammed the APC for condemning the use of military in the Ekiti State governorship poll, but failed to do same for the Edo and Osun state polls where its candidates won.

He said: “Recently, the opposition party has been going to town crying wolf over the use of military to secure the lives and property of Nigerian citizens during and after the elections. If we must be reminded, when they won in Edo State in 2012, the military was involved, when they won in Osun State in 2014, the military was also involved."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015 —11

C M Y K

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

No quarrel with Rivers APC Chair —TELE IKURU ...insists he's political leader of Andoni

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— DEPUTY Governor of Rivers State, Engr. Tele Ikuru, has denied allegations in some quarters that a major quarrel broke out between him and the state chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Davies Ikanya, over who should make the caretaker committee list in Andoni Local Government Area.

The rumour mill had it that the chairman of the party, Dr Ikanya, who is from the same Andoni council with the deputy governor failed to concede certain slots to the deputy governor during the compilation of the list, a situation, sources said, allegedly sparked off quarrel among their various supporters.

The deputy governor, in a statement, yesterday by his media aide, Mr Godswill Jumbo, denied the rumour, saying his principal was the deputy governor of the entire state and not that of Andoni council only.

The statement insisted that Ikuru was the political leader of Andoni council.

He said: “It has come to the attention of Engr. Ikuru, that some individuals are trying to draw his name into series of

issues he knows nothing about. Recently, different individuals have tried in vain to misinform the public that there exists some dispute between him and his party chairman in the state and such has played out in a disagreement between their supporters. This cannot be

further from the truth.

"The general public should please note that Ikuru is not just the deputy governor of Andoni council but of the entire Rivers State and its people and as such deserves the respect and honour due him.

As at now, he remains the political leader of Andoni

VISIT: From left: Mr Lawrence Okah, Edo State APC leader; Comrade Isaac OkunborOguns, President, Edo State Welders Association and Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, during a thank-you visit by the Welders Association to the governor, yesterday, for his empowerment programme for their association.

Wike makes empty threats —GTCO

By Gbenga Oke

D

IRECTOR-General of Greater Together Campaign Organisation, GTCO, Mr Victor Giadom, has described the threat by the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State, Mr Nyesom Wike, to make public the financial dealings of All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Dr Dakuku Peterside, as an empty threat.

The campaign organisation described the move by Wike as another calculated smear campaign that will fail.

Giadom, in a statement, said that Peterside in all his public life had acted with integrity and the fear of God. He said: “Ordinarily, we would have ignored this spurious threat on our candidate but for the misleading impact it could create on the public. Dr. Peterside in all his public life has acted with integrity and fear of God and this organisation knows that Wike's threat is another calculated smear campaign option of the PDP that will fail like the several attempts on Dr.

people and has conducted himself with the maturity and leadership traits that such high calling demands of him.

“He has no issues to dispute over with his state party chairman or anyone else. Those peddling such inane rumours should henceforth desist from such.”

Peterside’s life.

“Dr. Peterside will never employ blackmail as a strategy and such threat would not affect or distract our candidate’s plans and

commitment towards achieving victory in the April 11, governorship election..

“Wike is already aware of failure and he is struggling desperately to wriggle out of

it. But this reality should not warrant cheap blackmail, threats and falsehood as a means of survival. One would have expected the PDP candidate to devise other ways.

“As an organisation, our actions are guided by the belief that God chooses leaders."

Bayelsa security outfit drivers protest non-payment of salaries

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA— D R I V E R S engaged by the Bayelsa State Security outfit, Operation Doo-Akpo, yesterday, barricaded the popular Mbiama-Yenagoa Road, the gateway to Yenagoa, the state capital, in protest over nonpayment of two months salaries.

The aggrieved drivers, it was learnt, took to the road as early as 6a.m., and locked the Tombia roundabout axis of the route leaving hundreds of road users stranded in the ensuing gridlock.

The protesting drivers were said to have chanted solidarity songs demanding immediate payment of their salary arrears.

One of the drivers, said: “We can no longer continue to work without pay. We have wives and school children. How do we

feed them and pay their school fees. The economy is too hard for a worker not to be paid for a month much less two.”

Residents who were rushing to their workplaces were stranded in the gridlock.

A military personnel said he

used alternative route to get to his office.

He said: “These drivers provide very important services.

The government has no reason owing them especially considering the risky nature of their jobs.”

Senatorial candidate to set up scholarship scheme in Edo

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, senatorial candidate for Edo South senatorial district, Mr. Matthew Urhoghide, has said that if elected into the National Assembly, he will establish a scholarship and education fund to help indigent and needy students realise their educational goals.

Urhoghide, who made the

pledge, yesterday in Benin, at an interactive session with leaders of students unions of higher institutions of learning from Edo South Senatorial zone, said fund for the scholarship/busary scheme which will be known as “Edo South Senatorial District Scholarship Scheme” would be sourced from local government councils, banks, corporate individuals, among others.

EFCC arraigns 20 over unlawful petroleum products deals

By Innocent Anaba

T

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, arraigned 20 persons, including one Captain Daniel Lebile, before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly dealing in petroleum products without lawful authority.

The other accused persons are Ala Ibanibo, Wole Ajayi, Adesunloye Fani-Kayode, Michael Mgbanwa, Segun Ekundemi, Johnson Mashebinu, Ndidi Benjamin, Bright Nwaezuoke, Blessing Omoviye, Kayode Ireti., Chuks Isiwepkweni, Friday Nchikpa, Peter Bayo, Ubom Amos, Zuopamo Embiowei, Olabamerun Owolemi, Adams Husseini, Ebisingha Timmy and Godwin Oputeh.

They were arraigned before Justice Ibrahim Buba on a three count charge of dealing in petroleum products without lawful authority, alongside their vessel, MV Long Island and their companies Afa Global Impex Services Limited and GFL Marine Service Limited.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to them.

One of the counts read that on or about December 2, 2014, they allegedly conspired amongst themselves and dealt in about 200 metric tons of petroleum products without lawful authority or appropriate licence.

EFCC counsel afterwards, urged the court to grant him a short adjournment to enable him gather his witnesses and bring them to court. He also urged the court to order the remand of the accused persons in prison while the trial lasts.

But a defence counsel opposed the application for the remand of the accused, praying the court to admit them to bail in liberal conditions pursuant to Section 36 of the Constitution.

The judge subsequently adjourned till March 23 and 24 and April 2, 2015 for commencement of trial.

He ordered the prison remand of the accused persons pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015—13

GAS CITY PROJECT: Ijaw, Itsekiri resolve differences ...welcome ground-breaking

By Emma Amaize & Festus Ahon

A

SABA—THE Ijaw and Itsekiri, yesterday in Asaba, Delta State, resolved their differences over the Gas City Project and appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to fix a date for the ground-breaking.

Rising from a peace parley convened by Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, the two ethnic nationalities resolved to make room for peace and ensure that the more than $16 billion Gas City project takes off successfully.

All issues resolved

Addressing newsmen shortly after the meeting, representatives of Gbaramatu, Ugborodo and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, commended Governor Uduaghan for the intervention and disclosed that all the issues involved had been resolved for the project to come on stream.

Mr. Austin Oboroegbeyi, who spoke on behalf of Ugborodo people said: “We agreed that the Gas Industrial City would be named after Ogidigben and the Deep Sea Port would be named after Gbaramatu. All parties agreed that because of the importance of the project the ground-breaking should be done as soon as the President and NNPC can work out a date. We also agreed to ensure peace within the area of the project so that the benefits can come to the communities.”

Chief Godspower Gbenekame who spoke on behalf of Gbaramatu people said: “We agreed that the Gas Industrial City would be at Ogidigben while the Deep Sea Port would be at Gbaramatu. When the President is ready for the ground-breaking, we are ready.”

The representative of the NNPC, Dr David Ige, Group Executive Director (Gas and Power), on his part, said: “We had an amicable meeting, the two communities agreed to make peace as a condition for the project.”

Naming hasn't changed anything

Ige added that the naming of the project has not changed anything as it concerns the original concept, stating: “They are inter-dependent projects, everybody is ready for when Mr. President agrees to come for the ground-breaking ceremony. We also agreed to work together to make the project a huge success as its impact would not only be on Deltans but all Nigerians.”

Governor Uduaghan had stressed the importance of peaceful co-existence and C M Y K

collaboration between the Ijaw and Itsekiri in the area not just for the successful take-off of the project but for the security of all in the riverine areas of the state and the economy of the country.

Jonathan committed to peaceful co-existence

He said that the project was important not just to Nigerians but to the international community adding that President Jonathan was concerned and committed to peaceful co-existence and an economically buoyant nation.

According to him, the President had delayed the flag-off of the project for the host communities to settle their differences so that the project would not be stalled.

“Mr. President did not come for the ground-breaking earlier

scheduled, not because he was afraid of being attacked but because he wanted the communities to resolve their differences so that nothing would stop the project after the ground breaking exercise.

“Mr. President is eager to perform the ground-breaking but what is more important is for the project to come to fruition without hindrance as that is the only way we, our grand children and the future generation can benefit from it,” he said.

Ayiri, others plan court action

Meanwhile, despite the resolution of disagreement between Ijaw and Itsekiri on the $16 billion Delta Gas City, yesterday, some Itsekiri natives

have vowed to go to court over the naming of the Deep Sea Port.

Chairman of the Ogidigben EPZ Committee, Mr. Austin Oboroegbeyi and Ijaw leader, Chief Godspower Gbenekame, who addressed newsmen after the meeting, presided over by Governor Uduaghan, said the two ethnic groups agreed that the Gas City be named after Ogidigben and the Deep Sea Port named after Gbaramatu.

But some Itsekiri leaders, including, Chief Ayiri Emami, who was at the meeting, allegedly rejected the naming of the Deep Sea Port after Gbaramatu Kingdom and were said to be planning a court action against the NNPC and the Federal Government any time the name is officially proclaimed.

COMMISSIONING: From left: Representative of the governor of Abia State, Mr Chinwe Nwanganga; Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolemenmen and the Chairman, Ugwunagbo Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Ugwuala Ugwu I and other officials, at the inauguration of the rehabilitated Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Section IV, yesterday.

Uduaghan expresses concern over INEC’s card readers

A

By Festus Ahon

SABA—GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has expressed concern over the Independent National Electoral Commission's, INEC’s decision to use card readers in the conduct of the forthcoming general elections.

The governor expressed fear that should the card readers fail or if many people were unable to vote because of inability to collect their permanent voters’ cards, there would be confusion and same could become a serious challenge for the country.

Speaking when the European Union, EU, Ambassador to Nigeria and the E c o n o m i c Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Mr.

Michel Arrion, paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba, he said that he had nothing against the use of card readers but that they must be well tested to ensure that nothing goes wrong on election days.

He said: “Delta State has 40 percent of what we call difficult terrains, meaning water and swamp and right now, we know that INEC is in the process of using card readers and PVCs. We are not against the card readers

but we also do not want it to be used in such a way that our people will not be happy at the end of the day. We think that enough underground work has not been done yet on the use of the card readers.”

Nigerians tired of PDP’s excuses — OSHIOMHOLE

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

E N I N — GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has taken a swipe at the Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government for buffeting Nigerians with excuses, saying that Nigerians were tired of waiting in vain for the party to get its acts right and were yearning for change to return the country to the path of glory.

Speaking, yesterday, when over 3,000 members of the Edo State Welders Association paid him a thank-you visit at Government House, Oshiomhole said despite the media hype from the PDP-led Federal Government about revolution in the agricultural sector, he was surprised to read in the newspapers that the country still imports rice.

According to him, “They say we are doing well in agriculture but we are importing rice and PDP says those who import rice have not paid export duties.

So I ask, ‘what happened to the agricultural revolution we are celebrating? Can you be importing what you are producing?' Everywhere you turn to, it’s always excuses and that is why in Edo State, we have said it is about ‘eye-mark,’ not ‘I shall,’ but ‘I have’ and you can see it,” he said.

The governor said as March 28 approaches, “The issues in the forth coming election are between the forces of the status quo, business as usual, versus change. They tell us there is train, but I don’t know when last you entered train but we see it on television.

Second River Niger Bridge we see it only on television."

14— Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

TRIBUTES: From left: Mr Kunle Taiwo, son-in-law, Mrs Yinka Taiwo, daughter, Hon. Jumoke Okoya Thomas, first daughter, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr Deji Okoya-Thomas son, Mrs Tosin Aloboh Bakare, daughter, Mr. Hakeem Aloboh Bakare, and Chief Rasaq Okoya, at the evening of tributes for late Sir Alexander Molade Okoya-Thomas, organized by office of Lagos State Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development, at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, yesterday. Photos: Shola Oyelese.

From left: Justice Dotun Onibokun, Mrs Amelia Okpalaona, Chief J.B. Ogufere, and Chief Peter Osugo on the occasion.

MTN spends N30.5bn on diesel annually —GM, Financial Planning Division

By Omoh Gabriel, Business Editor

L

AGOS—MTN Nigeria yesterday said the lack of regular public power supply is taking a toll on businesses in Nigeria saying that it spends N30.5 billion on diesel annually.

Giving facts behind its annual result accounts yesterday, Mr. Olusegun Akinfenwa, General Manager Financial Planning Division MTN Nigeria said: “Diesel costs remain the biggest singular expense in MTNN’s cost profile with a spend of N30.5 billion in the year."

Meanwhile MTN Group warned its shareholders yesterday of possible decline in its revenue as weaker oil prices bring economic doubts to its biggest market in Nigeria.

Nigeria contributed 37% of MTN's revenue

Nigeria contributed nearly 37 per cent of MTN’s total revenue, while its South African home market made up about 27 per cent.

“In Nigeria some level of uncertainty remains with regards to the implications of the oil price and currency fluctuations, which may lead to slower economic growth,” MTN said in a statement.

Authorities in Nigeria have devalued the naira currency and raided foreign exchange reserves to feed demand following the slump in crude prices. A tough regulatory environment has also meant MTN has been forced to offer similar tariffs to its own subscribers and those of its smaller rivals. It has also been hit with bans against selling SIM cards and promotional pricing.

“It would appear that the regulatory pressure may ease, but the unknown at this stage is the economic impact of the falling oil price,” said Reuben Beelders, C M Y K

portfolio manager at Gryphon Asset Management.

Nigeria’s capital spend will increase by 5 percent although it is expected to contribute more than a quarter of the 17.5 million new subscribers MTN hopes to sign on this year.

MTN surprised investors by declaring a 1,245 cents per share total dividend, up from 1,035 cents last year. It said it planned increases of between 5-15 percent a year, which sent the shares up as much as 2.8 per cent.

Rise in internet debts

Mr. Akinfenwa said that there was rise in interconnect debts to the network of about N13.6billion for MTN alone which he said was a dangerous symptom that distress is not too far from the industry if appropriate measures are not put in place to rescue the

situation by the regulatory authority. He said that Industry sustainability is at risk from dire equation of higher capital and operating expenditure against lower revenues.

Decline in iindustry subscriber additions

He said that year on year, there was over 50 per cent decline in industry subscriber additions in 2014 with 7.3million as against the 15.1million the previous year.

MTNN he said connected 42 per cent of the 7.3million new subscribers amounting to 3.1 million about 6 per cent increase in subscriber number. He disclosed that MTN’s performance might have impacted on the total market growth in terms of subs & revenue in 2014.

He said that MTNN implemented three major

OIL PRICE SLUMP:

By Michael Eboh

L

AGOS—OANDO Energy Resources, OER, the upstream subsidiary of Oando Plc has realised a cash windfall in the sum of $234 million, about N46.8 billion due to the proactive fiscal measures put in place prior to the slump in oil prices.

The funds will be applied towards a $238 million loan pre-payment, thereby substantially reducing the company’s total debt from $900 million in August 2014 to $615 million today.

Effectively, the company has managed to reduce its debt

business model changes in 2014 amounting to significant cost savings and network optimisation.

These include; TP model restructuring – win-win model adopted Managed Services, MS, for better network efficiency and Tower assets transfer for network assets optimization.

Mr. Akinfenwa said that the company’s Revenue growth of 4 per cent (5% in 2013), lower than the inflation and GDP growth of eight per cent and six per cent respectively. According to him “Voice remains the lion share of revenue, though with minimal growth. Data and digital revenues continue to experience a healthy growth. MTNN he continued remains focused on growing its data & digital revenue Some of the data & digital products launched have continued to aid, expand penetration in some other industries, e.g. music, insurance, health, etc.

Group endorses Agoda for Senate

A

BRAKA—AN Urhobo electoral advocacy group, Urhobo Voter Awareness Initiative, has endorsed Hon. Halims Agoda, All Progressives Congress, APC, Senatorial candidate for Delta Central.

While addressing newsmen in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, yesterday, the group through its representative, Isaac Abude, aka Gen. Udumebraye claimed Agoda represents sort of Senatorial material any Urhobo man can be proud of, insisting that he would make just the sort of gentleman legislator the late Akpo Pius Ewerhido was before his untimely death.

His words: “We don’t need benchwarmers, sycophants and greedy men as our Senator. Similarly, those that can be described as glorified gatemen in Government House as well as those who feel they can force themselves down our throats cannot be our Senator from Central.”

Oando receives N47bn payout

by 30 per cent in the space of seven months post the acquisition of COPN. OER successfully realized $234 million by resetting its crude oil hedge floor price from an average of $95.35 per barrel to $65.00 per barrel on 10,615 bbls/day for the next 18 months and another 1,553 barrels per day for a further 18 months until January 2019.

The company will pay an additional $4 million from its cash reserves.

Hedge positions are investment decisions often taken by companies with the intention of offsetting potential losses/gains that may be incurred, especially

during a global downturn.

The company’s $1.5 billion landmark acquisition of ConcoPhillips Nigeria, COPN, was funded with a 50/50 debtequity mix. A repayment of $238 million on the debt portion used to close the acquisition implies that the company has effectively reduced the net purchase price to $1.2 billion.

OER, which has a current market capitalisation of $1 billion and a daily output of circa 53,100 boepd, had initially adopted hedging tools on its future crude production in anticipation of ongoing oil price volatility.

A statement from the company

indicates that the proceeds from the hedge and additional funds will be used in prepayment of certain loan facilities.

Commenting further, Pade Durotoye, CEO OER said: “The decline in global crude oil prices led to a substantial gain for our company and we have 10,832 bbls/day average production hedged for the balance of 2015 and 8,000 bbls/day for 2016.

“Cashing out some value from this hedge will enable us reduce our outstanding loans and leverage by $238 Million, saving the company $65 Million in interest payments over the remaining term of the loan facilities, whilst preserving a floor of $65 per barrel."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5 10, 2015—15

MASSOB insists on Jega’s removal

By Francis Igata

O

WERRI—THE Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has said it would resist election in the south, if the Independent National Electoral Commission ,INEC, chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, refuses to go.

MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, who disclosed this yesterday at world press conference held at the MASSOB headquarters annex, New Owerri, Imo State, said the resolve of his group stemmed from allegations of bias against the INEC boss.

In his address, entitled “Jega Must Go”, Uwazuruike said “it has become increasingly worrisome that despite strong allegations of bias against the INEC boss, Attahiru Jega, he, ,Jega, is still preparing to conduct the forthcoming general elections.

He said the worry stemmed from the fact that the election conducted by the INEC boss would lack credibility and unavoidably put the nation into serious crisis.

“In such crisis as usual the safety of live and property of Ndigbo in the North and other parts of Nigeria will be targets for destruction.

“From the onset, Jega was not prepared for free and fair elections. He demonstrated that by his infamous 30,000 polling units, where he allotted more than two-third of the polling units to the North.

“Despite public outcry, the Senate also passed a resolution stating that the polling units should not be used. Still, Jega went ahead and converted the polling units to voting centres in the North,” he said.

The MASSOB leader also

pointed out that Prof Jega was able to distribute more than 90 per cent of the Permanent Voters’ Cards,PVCs, in the North, including Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states, where there was raging insurgency, while he failed to distribute 50 per cent of the same in the South before the elections were shifted.

He, therefore, said that even when the elections were shifted, there was an avalanche of allegations that Jega would be biased in the conduct of the March

and April elections.

“The governor of Plateau State, Mr Jonah Jang, has taken INEC to court based on the fact that the PVCs meant for distribution in his state is yet to arrive.

“Besides, other state governors are still complaining that PVCs meant for their states are yet to be printed.

“Jega wants to organise a kangaroo election where he intends to pronounce his preferred candidate the winner of the election.''

BRIEFING: From left: Mrs. Nkechi Chukueke, Women leader, Association for Defence of Igbo Interest in Lagos; Chief Chris Ekwilo, State Leader, Igbo coalition in All Progressives Congress (APC); Mr. Chris Nwakobia, Coordinator Association for Defence of Igbo Interest in Lagos and Eze Dr. Haris Chima, General secretary during a press briefing on interest of Igbo in Lagos State on general election, in Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. Photo by Bunmi Azeez.

Jonathan laments deplorable state of Enugu-Port Harcourt road

By Anayo Okoli

U

M U A H I A — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Federal road deteriorated due to neglect by previous administrations in the country.

The President also lamented the hardship the bad state of the road had caused the people of the South East and South

South and other users.

Jonathan, who spoke in Aba, Abia State, while flagging-off the rehabilitation section 4 of the road, from Aba to Port Harcourt, said he was determined to end the woes of the people on the road built 32 years ago.

Represented by the Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, Jonathan said he had listened to the cries of the people from the South East and South South and other

Pan-Deltan group endorses Emerhor

A

SABA—A pan-Deltan group, Detribalised Deltans For Genuine Change, has endorsed Chief O’tega Emerhor as its candidate for the 2015 governorship election in Delta State.

Addressing newsmen in Asaba, the spokesman of the group, Mr Emma Nwosu, claimed that Peoples Democratic Party, PDP had failed the state in sixteen years of what he described as wasted opportunities and broken promises to the electorate..

According to him “What they call dividends of democracy in their party is actually C M Y K

dividends for their own pocket.

PDP thinks that simply because it gave its ticket to Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, it has automatically captured Delta North. Is Okowa not part of the system? What kind of change can he possibly bring?

This is not the time for my brother is in power or my sister is not in power. What we need now is someone with a brain who can turn the state around for the benefit of each and every Deltan.”

Nwosu claimed that Delta State was presently in such dire straits, adding that a complete change was needed at the very top.

Nigerians over the deplorable state of the road and decided to work on it for them to have a new lease of life.

“It is common knowledge to all of us here today and all Nigerians that the road has deteriorated over time due to lack of adequate attention in terms of routine and periodic maintenance by successive administration.

“This has led to increase in transportation cost with the attendant negative impact on commercial activities.

“It is in response to the cries and yearnings of the good people of South South and South East zones and indeed all Nigerians that this administration decided to rehabilitate this

road from Enugu-Port Harcourt in order to assuage the sufferings of our people.

“This will go a long way in reducing the time of travel on this route, road crashes and cost of maintaining vehicles plying the road. The overall effect is reduction in cost of transport of goods and services.

“Consistent with the efforts of my administration to deliver good quality roads in all the geopolitical zones in the country in order to boost socio-economic activities nationwide.”

President Jonathan said his government recognized the importance of road infrastructure to the socio-economic development of the nation.

Obiano upgrades state-owned electronic media

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

W K A — GOVERNOR Willie Obiano of Anambra State said yesterday that the state government has acquired digital equipment that would make the state-owned Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, one of the best in the country.

Speaking during a ceremony to mark the 30th anniversary of the broadcast outfit, Obiano said the equipment would be installed in the next six weeks, adding that his government decided to invest in the media because of its importance in disseminating information about government activities, as well as educating the people.

He said: “We are aware that without a powerful media, the people will not follow government activities.

“This is why we have decided to acquire new digital equipment for ABS which, after its installation in the next six weeks, will help to improve its reach.

“With it, ABS will become one of the most powerful stations in the country. We are doing this because my administration holds the media in very high esteem.”

The guest lecturer at the event, Professor Pat Utomi, commended the governor for injecting new life into ABS, adding that it would enable the outfit carry out its statutory functions.

“I had been to the ABS studio in Onitsha and I was not happy with what I saw.

Anambra is the original heart of the old Eastern Region and should therefore lead in everything.

“I am, therefore, happy that government has stepped in to improve the situation,” Prof. Utomi said.

Igbo women bemoan harmful practices against them

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—ABOUT 5000 women from Igbospeaking states in the country have condemned what they described as the continued harmful practices against women, calling on the various state governments to evolve measures that would put an end to such practices.

Specifically, the women, who converged on Awka as part of

activities to mark the World Women Day, called for quick passage of violence against persons’ prohibition bill before the senate, as the first steps towards ending the harmful practices.

The bill had passed first and second readings and had been referred to Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative work.

Some of the issues debated include family planning,

reproductive health, the rights of women and their legal implications.

President and founder of Umu Ada Igbo and facilitator of the ceremony, Mrs. Kate Ezeofor, said the women would not relent until all the harmful practices in Igbo land were dropped.

Ezeofor said the group would pay advocacy visits and hold rallies and meetings in the communities to educate rural women on their inheritance rights.

16 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

Armed men invade Senator Ayogu Eze's residence

By Austin Ogwuda

E

NUGU—ARMED men invaded the country home of Sen Ayogu Eze, representing Enugu North Senatorial District in the

senate in Inere Umuiyida of Enuguezike in IgboezeNorth LGA with an alleged mission to harm him.

Vanguard gathered that the invading hoodlums, numbering ten, stormed the place at

about 5.20 pm on Tuesday shooting sporadically into the air.

An eyewitness who identified himself as a security guard attached to the house, said: “As they were shooting, they were saying Sen Ayogu Eze has failed in court; he is now a dead man.

“I did not challenge them so that they will not kill me. They continued to shoot into the air and danced at the gate of my Oga’s house.”

It was further gathered that governors, led by chairman they fled the scene when the of their forum and Akwa police were called, abandoning Ibom State Governor, two vehicles, while one of them Obong Godswill Akpabio, was said to have been arrested.

Mr Ikechukwu Eze, a close Governor Sule Lamido of relation of Sen Eze, alleged that Jigawa State and his Benue the thugs were those who were counterpart, Gabriel celebrating Enugu State PDP Suswam. guber candidate, Mr ifeanyi Briefing newsmen at the Di- Ugwuanyi’s victory on Monvine Mandate Campaign Or- day at Federal High Court Abuganization office in Abakaliki, ja. the PDP governorship candi“If not for the quick intervendate stated that the meeting tion of police and youths from was aimed at amicably resolv- the village, the thugs would ing the current political ten- have started destroying my sion in the state, emphasizing brother’s house and other that Ebonyi would remain a property,”Eze said.

Eze said it was as result of that PDP state against all odds.

“We are still talking and we incident that youths numberwill continue to talk; what ing about eighty from the vilwe are looking for is ami- lage kept night vigil at Sen cable resolution; to live and Eze’ compound in case the hoodlums came back again. let’s live.

When contacted, the Per“It will be difficult in any sonal Assistant (PA) to Sen state to totally get there in Eze, Mr IK Abugwu, contotality, it means we are not firmed the incidents, noting totally there; there is no state that Eze would soon make in the federation you will official statement over the say that during election that matter.

EBONYI IMPEACHMENT SAGA:

We're looking for amicable resolution — DEP GOV

By Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI— EBONYI State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship candidate and Deputy Governor, Engr. Dave Umahi, yesterday explained that the meeting which held in Abuja concerning the political situation in the state ended very well.

Recall that President Goodluck Jonathan had yesterday summoned the state governor, Martin Elechi; Secretary to Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim and the PDP governorship candidate for the state, Engr. David Umahi, as well as some PDP leaders to a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to address the political situation in the state The meeting, which lasted over five hours, also had in attendance Vice President Namadi Sambo and some PDP

things are totally sorted out.

Group flays Igbo indigenes for collecting money from politicians in Lagos

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

L

AGOS—A group, Associ ation for the Defence of Igbo Interest in Lagos, yesterday, raised an alarm on the existence of some faceless individuals in the name of Ndigbo who collect money from candidates seeking elective positions in the 2015 general elections.

Coordinator of the group, Prof Chris Nwokobia, who made the remarks at a public forum in Lagos, said the cabal had created the erroneous impression that the Igbo in Lagos were in a conspiracy with President C M Y K

Goodluck Jonathan to impose an unpopular Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate in Lagos.

He said they were not part of the conspiracy to hijack the state and undermine interest of the Yoruba in Lagos.

Nwokobia said: “We are concerned that in all parts of Lagos, we have been inundated with innuendoes that will clearly endanger Ndigbo, their properties and other interests in Lagos if not well handled.

“We are concerned because there is a raging feeling all over Lagos that Igbo are deep into a conspiracy to undermine the political interests of the Yoruba and

help impose an anti-Yoruba surrogate in Lagos, as a way of mocking and undermining the political interests of the Yoruba Nation.”

He added that the development was dangerous as it could cause disaffection between the Yoruba in Lagos and Igbo indigenes.

“We are compelled to state that Ndigbo are parts and parcel of Lagos and that we share an excellent relationship with the people of Lagos, especially the Yoruba.

“We state also that Ndigbo are the prime beneficiaries of the conducive environment Lagos offers, that Ndigbo are the prime beneficiaries of the good, orderly and secure governance in Lagos, especially in the past sixteen years.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015 — 17

W

ITH our eyes locked firmly on the Nigerian electoral process, and the forthcoming Presidential elections, on the one hand. And battling the creeping and crippling economic crisis in our country, on the other, we can be forgiven for missing some noteworthy events in our world.

Early this week, former Marxist guerilla, Jose “Pepe” Mujica ended his tenure as President of the South American Republic of Uruguay.

He was often described as “the world’s poorest president”; for others, he was the “president every other country would like to have”. The BBC’s Wyre Davies, who interviewed him recently, argued that “whatever your own particular ‘shade’ of politics, it’s impossible not to be impressed or beguiled by Jose “Pepe” Mujica”. Davies said while the world is certainly full of “principled” politicians, none “comes anywhere close to the outgoing Uruguayan president when it comes to living by one’s principles”.

As president, he refused to live in the presidential palace, choosing instead to remain in his wife’s farmhouse, on the outskirts of Montevideo, the Uruguayan capital. He had only two policemen as his security details plus Manuela, a three-legged dog.

Annual wealth declaration The president and his wife (also a former Marxist guerilla) worked the land themselves. In 2010, his annual wealth declaration, which is mandatory for all public officials in his country, was just $1, 800, the value of his 1987 Volkswagen Beetle car. It was in 2012, that his assets was “rebased” at the equivalent of $215, 000 when his wife’s assets of land, tractors and a house were added. President Jose “Pepe” Mujica was donating 90% of his monthly salary, equivalent to $12, 000 to charity.

He argued that: “I can live well with what I have”, because “I’ve lived like this most of my life”.

He noted that: “I’m called ‘the poorest president’ but I don’t feel poor. Poor people are those who only work to try to keep an expensive lifestyle, and always want more and more.

This is a matter of freedom. If you don’t have many possessions then you don’t need to work all your life like a slave to sustain them, and therefore you have more time for yourself. I may appear to be an eccentric old man…But this is a free choice”.

Solitary confinement: President Mujica was elected in 2009; but he spent the 1960s and 1970s as a member of the Marxist guerilla group, the Tupamaros, which had been inspired by the Cuban Revolution.

He was shot six times and spent 14 years in jail, most of it in very harsh solitary confinement, two of them lying at the bottom of an old horse trough. The experience almost broke him mentally, especially because for about eight years, he was not even allowed to read a book! Mujica said of his

Godswill Akpabio, to mention a few, worked unconscionable pensions for themselves, on top of the billions that they accrued running those states over an eight year period.

The public service space has become “privatized” to deny the Nigerian people basic decencies of existence, while those given opportunity to rule, behave like lords, with attitudes worse than those of medieval feudal rulers.

Personal assets

A Uruguay example: ‘The only good addiction is love’ experience, that “prison, solitary confinement had a huge influence on me.

I had to find an inner strength”.

On his modest lifestyle and the response of people, he argued that: “This world is crazy, crazy!

People are amazed by normal things and that obsession worries me!”

He went on: “All I do is live like the majority of my people, not the minority. I’m living a normal life and (other) leaders should also live as their people do. They shouldn’t be aspiring or copying a rich minority”. It is also instructive that he left presidency with Uruguay having what was described as “a relatively healthy economy with social stability”

and “the most liberal country in South America”.

He carried out some controversial social and political initiatives, including the legalization of cannabis, which he defended: “Marijuana is another plague, another addiction. Some say its good but no, that’s rubbish.

Not marijuana, tobacco or alcoholTHE ONLY GOOD ADDICTION IS LOVE (my emphasis!)!”

He went on that: “But 150, 000 people smoke marijuana here and I couldn’t leave them at the mercy of drug traffickers. It’s easier to control something if it’s legal and that’s why we’ve done this”.

Looting life style: I have brought up this remarkable man’s exemplary lifestyle today, as a contrast to what we have in our country. The political and economic elites are in cahoots in the looting and underdevelopment of Nigeria.

Our legislators are said to be the richest in the world, and a few weeks ago, it was concluded that the Senate President and Speaker, House of Representatives would be on life pensions.

So Senator David Mark will add his senate pension to the one he collects as a general of the Nigerian Army. In our states, people like Bola Tinubu, Bukola Saraki,Danjuma Goje and

It was in Nigeria, in June 2012, that I asked President Jonathan during the PRESIDENTIAL MEDIA CHAT, why he refused to publicly declare his personal assets and he answered me that: “I DON’T GIVE A DAMN”!

Yet, in our world today, a president of Uruguay declared publicly what he had which made him known as “the world’s poorest president”! President Jonathan was angry when people said Nigerians were poor. No, he said, we have the largest number of private jets in Africa.

Our rulers are addicted to illgotten wealth. But President Jose “Pepe” Mujica of Uruguay said “THE ONLY GOOD ADDICTION IS LOVE”; love of the people and of our country!

The politics of elections in Borno

O

VER the past two weeks, the security situation has taken a turn for the better in many parts of Northeast Nigeria. The Nigerian Army, along with allied forces from the neighbouring countries, took the battle to the Boko Haram terrorists. In the process, many occupied communities were liberated.

The most interesting development of the past week must be President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to liberated areas in Adamawa and Borno state, but especially the town of Baga, where hundreds or thousands of people had been killed (depending on which statistics one chose to accept), when it was sacked by Boko Haram in January.

Military fatigues To cream off as much advantage as might serve his electoral fortunes, President Goodluck Jonathan appeared on the scene dressed in full military fatigues and with a swagger, obviously well rehearsed, for NTA viewers.

He was unable to avoid cheap politicking with what should have ordinarily been used to rally Nigerians for unity, by visiting the Adamawa liberated area with the PDP governor of the state, but refusing to go to Baga, with the APC governor of Borno state!

But the more worrisome issue that is being played out in the Northeast is where the elections will be held, especially in respect of people in Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDP) camps in the affected states. There are

individuals in the PDP, especially from Borno state, who are alleged to be advising President Goodluck Jonathan to lean on INEC by insisting that IDPs should be returned to their communities to cast their votes.

Those behind these harebrained ideas are arguing that such a step is the only way that they can “help” the PDP and President Jonathan to either “win” in Borno or get the requisite level of percentages in the overall calculations for the presidential election. But it is clear to whoever knows the essence of what has happened in Borno, as I do, that there is no way that people in IDP camps can be returned to their communities in time for the elections. There are many reasons why I say this. Many of these communities had been occupied

by Boko Haram, for up to six, nine and twelve months, in a lot of instances. In these communities, basic facilities like health centres, schools, borehole facilities, and the residences of these people

It will be the height of insensitivity to attempt to rush people back home just because of the politics of the electoral process

have been completely destroyed

by Boko Haram. When Boko Haram took over Baga in January, they destroyed at least 90% of residences; they even burnt up trees as we saw in satellite pictures posted by international human rights organizations on international television services.

There is nothing to return to and returning people just for electoral reasons will make absolutely no sense.

In order to return people to their communities, an enabling environment must be created such as the reconstruction of residential accommodation, rehabilitation of boreholes, health facilities and rudimentary economic life and the provision of security that will give people the confidence to return and stay.

One of the enduring tactics of Boko Haram is to repeatedly return to communities to attack and disrupt the livelihood of people, often seeming to be possessed of a permanent suicidal streak. That much has been evident in its repeated attempt at taking over Konduga, the most recent of which happened this week, leading to the killing of over seventy terrorists.

There is also the problem with the mining of roads, farmlands and residential areas, which would have to be cleared before IDPs can return to their communities. For example, the distance between Cross Kauwa and Baga is less than 30 kilometres, yet the Nigerian Army was said to have cleared about 150 mines, as they attempted to liberate Baga. These are serious issues that speak against any

rushed plan to return people to devastated communities.

And if such dispersal of people into tenuously secure communities is enforced, we might end up giving Boko Haram the opportunity to carry out its vow to disrupt the elections! Thus defeating the plan to use return of displaced people as a tactic to “assist” President Goodluck Jonathan. It will just explode in the faces of unconscionable politicians, who put their political agenda above the security of the people.

Expensive business For those who don’t know, there are 17 IDP camps in Borno state alone. To maintain the hundreds of thousands of IDPs in these camps, the Borno State government provides 600 bags of rice EVERYDAY to the IDPs. In each of these camps, at least a cow is slaughtered everyday for the IDPs along with the provision of other cooking items and vegetables. It is a very expensive business taking care of people who have lost practically everything and have been traumatized by the horrific violence visited upon them by Boko Haram. It will be the height of insensitivity to attempt to rush people back home just because of the politics of the electoral process. Besides, INEC has made the provision for people to vote inside the IDP camps; so let them stay there to vote and thereafter, a methodical and well thought out process of return to properly secured communities can be implemented.

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015 THERE are more issues in the 2015 general elections than the tenure of the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega. A focus on them, instead of Jega, is critical for the free and fair elections Nigerians desire.

While politicians have their interests, we think that the major interests at the moment, should be on ensuring that registered voters get their permanent voters’ cards, PVCs, that the card readers work, logistics to get materials to the voting centres have been resolved and that voters and electoral officials are trained in this new technology.

These should be occupying enough.

Debates about the removal or not of Professor Jega fall squarely under freedom of speech, we respect liberties. If there are reasons to remove Jega, are members of the House of Representatives saying he cannot be removed, as the Constitution, which they also quoted, provided in Section 157 (1)? Has any letter gone to the Senate for his removal? Why these speculations suddenly in the middle of the campaigns? Why are candidates more interested in Jega’s tenure

Jega Not The Issue than their campaigns? Are the Jega debates not meant to distract us from core questions about what our next governments, across the country, intend to do for Nigerians?

President Goodluck Jonathan, without whose approval moves to remove Jega cannot be made, has vehemently denied the speculations. Why all the fuss over Jega? Why all the threats of violence and recourse to the International Criminal Court, if Jega is removed?

Jega has done so well according to those who say he cannot be removed. They were

the same people who condemned the postponement of the elections. The late arrival of materials for the elections is obvious. Materials are still expected in some cases.

INEC has confirmed that PVCs and card readers would be tested in 12 States this weekend. The outcome of the tests would decide certain steps. Are these not things that INEC should have done earlier for elections that should have held on February 14?

We want Jega to run out his tenure for a different reason. He should be around to see his plans through. We think it is too late to change the leadership of INEC, 23 days to crucial elections that are already doused in controversies, and in which Jega has played a central role, including staking his integrity.

However, we advise politicians to concentrate on telling us their plans for Nigeria, in addition to accounting for how they used past opportunities. INEC, on its part, should utilise the postponement well by ensuring that hitches that attended past elections are tackled. These are more important than Jega or his tenure.

OPINION

By Emmanuel Johnson

O

N August 30, 1962, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Eric in a message to the youths of the nation at independence said: “To youth tender and loving hands the future of the nation is entrusted. In your innocent hearts, the pride of the nation is enshrined. On your scholastic development, the salvation of the nation is development. When you return to your classes after independence, remember there fore, each and every one of you that you carry the future of Trinidad and Tobago in your school bags.”

Today, the same can be said of Akwa Ibom State, also located in the Gulf of Guinea, blessed like Trinidad and Tobago, with copious amounts of crude oil and other mineral deposits.

As the March and April elections draw near, we can see the horizon and attempt to see what the future holds for our state and our people.

Suffice it to say that our eyes have seen tangible achievements in infrastructure in the last seven and a half years, courtesy of the dynamic Godswill Akpabio administration.

Having delivered on the infrastructure front, it is only proper to crown the success within a worthy successor in the person of Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, a man in whom the time and the season have clearly met, in order to sustain the uncommon transformation.

He wears a meek mien, an affable smile often playing around his face quiet, unassuming, humane, patient, compassionate, yet with a sturdy, determination to make a lasting

Udom Emmanuel's Ibom dream impact in the lives of his people, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel hopes to mount the saddle as Governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2015 with a clear vision.

How will Udom Emmanuel bring about the change we also earnestly desire, especially in the face of dwindling oil revenues?

His vision, I dare say, is to harvest the rich human and natural resources we are blessed with through financial management that is secure to home. He knows the secret to create wealth is investment. In this time and age, it is necessary to invest in human capacity for the overall prosperity of all.

Hear the words of Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd): “Make no mistakes about it, the support Udom is enjoying today is not because he was the former Secretary to the

Across the 31 local government areas in the state, TIEIP has on ground state, chapter, local government coordinators and unit canvassers, all dedicated to selling the candidature of Udom Emmanuel as the man God has given to us this moment

State Government, SSG, it is because we searched for him and brought him out as the man who carries the promise to deliver this and feat prosperity.”

All through the campaigns, Udom Emmanuel has come across as a man who knows his onions. His body language suggests that he has learnt the fine art and science of governance, not only from corporate boardrooms across the world but from Godswill Akpabio.

Udom Emmanuel, indeed, has been able to connect with the people through the Door-to Door project embarked upon by the Transformation Initiative for the Empowerment of Ibom People, TIEIP. Across the 31 local government areas in the state, TIEIP has on ground state, chapter, local government coordinators and unit canvassers, all dedicated to selling the candidature of Udom Emmanuel as the man God has given to us this moment.

Not only that, more than one thousand groups across the state are fully registered with TIEIP and they all are ready to take the Udom message to the grassroots.

Not to forget. Udom Emmanuel is married to a loving and beautiful woman, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel. Both of them are on the campaign trail, seeking for votes and support from a cross section of Akwa Ibom people. From Ikot Abasi to Oron to Nsit Ibom to Onna onto Etim Ekpo and Ikot Ekpene, the message has been the same: Udom Gabriel Emmanuel will transform Akwa Ibom State for the greater good of the

people.

To add pep to the campaigns, a new group has been set up by Mrs. Ephraim Inyang. It is called Friends of Martha, a support group that has been working silently to mobilize the women across the state to support Udom Emmanuel. It is a formidable group of who is who in the state.

On Monday, February 16, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, held the mother of all rallies in Onna, the home of the party candidate, Mr. Udom Emmanuel. It was carnival as the party rounded off the campaign rallies in the state.

It is hoped that the support base of the party increased after the rally and all contending issues have been trashed out. Politics is a game of give and take and it is expected that aggrieved persons within Eket Senatorial District have been assuaged by the party and have joined the bandwagon to work for Udom Emmanuel.

In the words of the chairman of the Board of Trustees of TIEIP, Mr. Ephraim Inyang, “I am not a supporter of Udom Emmanuel but a believer in Udom Emmanuel because I have closely related with him over the years and I know his capacity, competency and passion to make things happen.”

As Akwa Ibom people gather at the various polling station on April 11 to cast their votes, let us all remember that we carry in our choice, the future of our great state. A vote for Udom Emmanuel will mean singing in for the visible transformation that is about to take place in the state.

*Mr. Johnson, a political analyst, wrote from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015—19

Battlegr ound South W est Battleground West

A

BATTLEGROUND is a place where an election will be keenly contested between two or more major political parties or their candidates. Of Nigeria’s three traditional “tripod zones” where the nation’s demographic ethnic majorities live – Arewa Muslim North, the food basket of Nigeria;Igbo heartland South East, the engine room of the Nigerian society; and Yoruba homeland South West, the landlords of the Nigerian economy – the hunt for votes between President Goodluck Jonathan of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC), will be fiercest in the South West come 28th March, 2015.

By general perception, Jonathan will sweep the polls in the South East, South-South and the Minority/Christian areas all over the country. Buhari will win comfortably in the Muslim North, or so it seems. Yes, there will be those who will not respect the primordial instinct to vote along ethnic and religious lines in these areas, opting, instead, to follow their minds, the interests of their political parties or

directives of their local leaders.

But the impact of those who will vote according to the block or herd sentiments of their people cannot be downplayed.

The South West is a very interesting political phenomenon.

If you ask an average South Westerner, he will tell you they are “sophisticated” voters. As this term has never been properly defined for us to match it with the established political behaviour of the Yorubas, let me observe that there is flux in the South West right now. We can trace where it started and why.

The political vision and philosophy of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo (or “Awoism”) established some 68 years ago: bottom-up federalism (which is fondly called “true federalism, where the states or regions exercise widespread autonomy) greased by the principles of social welfare, has been in vogue. It helped the West to thrive in the past, and the people are, therefore, firmly attached to it.

But, Awoism has been severely eroded by a new political mainstream led by Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu. The battle in the South West in the impending presidential election will be fought between the

political camp led by Tinubu with its strong support for General Buhari and the motely groups of Awoists and Yoruba leaders who have been regrouping under various platforms and massing up for President Jonathan.

Before now, the Yoruba mainstream has always been strong and unmistakable. They were always known for their block votes for “progressive” parties such as the Action Group (AG), Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Alliance for Democracy (AD). Tinubu and the old Awoists now on the other side were once part of the Afenifere/National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which fought for the restoration of Chief Moshood

The President has engaged every layer of the South West society – traditional rulers, the youth and the grassroots. He has also struck a live chord with Awoists by promising to implement the Conference report.

Meanwhile, Buhari is lost somewhere in London, “resting” or “recuperating”

The Constitution and its endless amendments

E

VERY State, Country or Organization has a Constitution – the body of laws, basic principles, rules and regulations – by which it is governed. The Constitution is variously referred to as the ground-norms and the supreme law of the land.

To be truly effective, the telling paragraphs of a nation’s Constitution must have a supremacy clause, which gives it the allimportant attribute that places it above all other laws. In the particular case of the Nigerian Constitution, Section 1 stipulates: “This Constitution is supreme and its provisions shall be binding on all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria… If any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution, this Constitution shall prevail, and that other law shall, to the extent of the consistency, be void….”

In its short period of 101 years of nationhood, Nigeria has had 12 Constitutions, three of which were dead on arrival. The Constitutions are: The Lord Lugard (Amalgamation) Constitution 1914; Clifford Constitution 1922; Richards Constitution 1946; McPherson Constitution 1951; Littleton (Self-Rule) Constitution 1954; Independence Constitution 1960; Republican Constitution 1963; General Yakubu Gowon Constitution 1976; General Olusegun Obasanjo Constitution 1979; General Ibrahim Babangida Constitution 1989; General Sani Abacha Constitution 1995; and General Abdusalam Abubakar Constitution 1999.

Each time the military intervened in the governance of Nigeria, the first thing they did was to abrogate the existing Constitution and when they prepared to return the country to civil rule, they also put a Constitution in place. Generals Gowon, Babangida and Abacha had put Constitutions together, preparatory to their return to the barracks

but they were ousted before their hand over dates, hence their Constitutions became dead-letters.

In the beginning, Nigeria was merely a trade outpost for the British colonial masters.

To that extent, the pre-independence Constitutions were meant mainly to regulate commerce and to keep people in line for the purpose of achieving their selfish end. In essence, the thoughts of organizing the welfare, environmental demands and government of the land for the benefit of Nigerians were completely out of the question.

By default, Nigeria today operates a morbid Constitution, a Constitution that has indeed been loved to death, as they say in legislative parlance. It has been amended beyond recognition and into complete irrelevance.

In their Epicurean stance, our law-makers seek the path of least resistance. Invariably, when they write laws, they write themselves into the laws; and when they amend the Constitution, they also amend themselves into the Constitution. Every attempt to amend the 1999 Constitution has been motivated by self or group interests such as tenure elongation and the desire to create more States, the futility of such a desire, notwithstanding.

In a short space of less than 16 years, the 1999 Constitution is facing the fourth

Where power is concentrated preponderantly at the centre, there is need for the devolution of powers to the states and localities for effective and efficient federalism

Abiola’s June 12th 1993 annulled presidential mandate. Following the death of Abiola, they all converged on a new political party formed by the late Chief Bola Ige – the AD. Tinubu, a frontline foot soldier of the struggle had just returned from exile in 1998. As a reward for his contributions, he was given the AD ticket for Lagos State ahead of Engineer Funsho Williams, who had been building grassroots structures during the regime of Col. Buba Marwa, when he served as a very successful Commissioner for Works. However, the Awoists (Afenifere/NADECO) weakened under Chief Abraham Adesanya, both as a result of his prolonged age-related illness and their illfated decision to support a Yoruba son, President Olusegun Obasanjo for his 2003 re-election. The Owu general, an avowed enemy of Awoism,seized that opportunity to destroy the Awoists and impose the PDP as the new Yoruba mainstream between 2003 and 2007. Chief Ige, who was Obasanjo’s Minister of Justice, was murdered in December, 2001, and the Awoists lost political direction.

It was only Tinubu, among the six AD South West governors, who refused to go with Obasanjo. He formed his own party, the Action Congress (AC). In spite of Obasanjo’s blockage of federal allocations to Lagos local government councils Tinubu not only prevailedbut also built a new platform which, after retaking the South West from PDP, has now become part of a national opposition movement (APC) which he leads. APC, however, is definitely not a typical Awoist welfarist party. It is more of an ultra-capitalist platform that goes as far as tolling roads and bridges.

Tinubu was an advocate of “true federalism” and state police, but

when President Jonathan offered to empanel the National Conference, he kicked against it.

However, many of the old Awoists, such as Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Olu Falae, the rival Odua People’s Congress Leaders (OPC), Dr. Frederick Faseun and Otunba Gani Adams, Chief Femi Okunrounmu, Chief Segun Osoba and others, went to the Conference.

Today, the old Awoists are regrouping under various platforms. Falae’s SDP is strong in Ogun State and growing in the South West. Faseun has resuscitated the UPN. PDP has bounced back in Ondo and Ekiti States, and it is strong throughout the zone. The Accord Party is waxing strong in Oyo State.

These and other groups, backed by the Yoruba leadership, are queuing up behind Jonathan. But Tinubu’s APC still controls four Yoruba states such as Lagos, Ogun, Osun and Oyo. Its vibrant media backbone with deadly propaganda credentialswas mobilised to rebrand Buhari and contrive a newspaper momentum that initially scared the ruling PDP and forced it back to the drawing board.

Jonathan has potentiated his forays in the South West since the polls shift. The President has engaged every layer of the South West society – traditional rulers, the youth and the grassroots. He has also struck a live chord with Awoists by promising to implement the Conference report. Meanwhile, Buhari is lost somewhere in London, “resting” or “recuperating”.

It is game on in the South West as we march towards 28th, but it is obvious that President Jonathan has the new momentum there.

amendment.

2010 goes down as the year of amendments. In August of that year, close to one thousand clauses were amended in that instrument.

Two months later, the National Assembly reversed itself by re-amending some of the amendments it made on the Constitution. In just the same way that too many hands spoil the soup, too many amendments to a Constitution can only make it inoperable. We have since lost count of the number of clauses that have been amended in the 1999 Constitution. Not even the legislators themselves can now point to the exact areas amended.

When it suits us, we imitate the Americans but one point is clear: in the present rumble in the jungle, we are certainly on our own. A few years back, we virtually lifted the American Constitution wholesale but with their legislative discipline, since 1791, when the American Constitution came into force, only 14 Sections of that instrument have been altered.

Truly, our Constitution that has 68 items on the Exclusive Legislative List (an area reserved exclusively for the Federal Government) and just 30 items on the Concurrent Legislative List (where the Federal Government, States and Localities can share power) indicates clearly a unitary formation, not a federation. Where power is concentrated preponderantly at the centre, there is need for the devolution of powers to the states and localities for effective and efficient federalism.

As we speak, 71 Sections of the 1999 Constitution, embodied in the fourth amendment await President Goodluck Jonathan’s accent. He that weeps profusely is still able to see; hence we are able to recognize that, unfortunately, some of the most fundamental issues are buried in the amendment to this already confused

document.

For instance, for the first time, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation is being separated from that of the Accountant General of the Federal Government. We have been in the vanguard agitating for this change.

Similarly, the office of the Attorney General of the Federation is being separated from that of the Minister of Justice. The new amendment also provides for Independent Candidature. All those denied opportunity to contest under the existing political parties can now test their popularity as Independent Candidates. For the first time, too, the President of Nigeria is being compelled by law to appear before a joint sitting of the two chambers of the National Assembly to deliver the State of the Federation Address once every year.

Clearly, our present Constitution is at war with itself. It professes democracy while it is thoroughly authoritarian; it strives towards federalism while it is every inch unitary; it struggles towards secularism while remaining virtually theocratic. How else does anyone explain the billions we dole out to some of the already super-rich churches?

Shall we return to Tai Solarin who once advised that the only remedy to Lagos environmental nuisance is to bomb down the entire place and begin to rearrange it? What is needed now is a total overhaul of the Constitution; not this patch-patch approach that we adopt before every major election.

Constitution-making is a serious business for serious minds. It cannot be left at the level of public relations and as a votes-catching measure.

20 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

Invasion of Lagos community by thugs, cops:

Residents appeal to Jonathan, Fashola •Say: We’ve been rendered homeless

By Ebun Sessou

O

BY Nwakor, a fish farmer in Labora/Owode area of Ibeju-Lekki in Lagos, is among thousands of residents who were recently rendered homeless due to no fault of theirs. Nwakor moved to Labora community in 2008.

With the little income he made from his farming business, he built a little house to provide accommodation for him and his family.

But, today, he is at the verge of losing that same house to some unknown persons who, he claimed, recently invaded the community.

Narrating his ordeal to Vanguard Metro, VM, he said on the fateful day of January 24, 2015, they woke up to witness what amounted to shocking lawlessness and impunity exhibited by some thugs and policemen who came into the community. “We just woke up one day and saw strange people clearing the entire community without any evidence that they are the owners of the community.

become homeless. We have been intimidated, even with our C of Os,”he lamented.

A visit to the area revealed that indeed some families are already homeless while their children cannot go to school again. This is because their houses had been fenced off.

Reacting to the encroachment, most residents noted that they were taken unawares by unidentified thugs and the policemen who claimed to be acting under authority. They explained that in the event, over 256 hectares of land have been taken from Labora/Owode.

Mr. Frederick Oguoma, a business man and landlord who has been living in the community for 15 years, lamented that his family and business have been shattered by this action. According to him: “The day these strangers came to the community, I approached them so as to know their mission. What a received as a response was embarrassment. And at the end of the day, we were chased off

Owners of the property “Despite the fact that we have been given our C of O as documents to prove that we purchased and owned the land legally, yet we have been treated as slaves in our own land. Unfortunately, these strangers said they are the owners of the property. The question is: If that is the case, why didn’t they take steps to secure the said land before this time?

“When we bought the land, we took time to investigate; we got our survey plan and gazette and we confirmed that the land was free from acquisition. We registered the estate and some of us already have C of Os as proof. We have been beaten and humiliated in the course of investigating this issue. They want to forcefully take away our properties; I am devastated.

“This is happening at a time when it is very difficult to put shelter on oneself. Some of our homes have been bulldozed. I don’t know why government will stand by and watch us

C M Y K

A section of PalmsBay Estate after its invasion by unknown persons with cutlasses and guns”.

For Felix Okwuosa, the incident has more or less ruined him. “I started my life in this community. I have a family in this community and everything has been peaceful until the invasion of these unknown persons,” he groaned.

“There are more than seven tribes, including Yoruba, Igbo, Egun, Hausa and people from the Delta area, living in this community and all these people have families.

Government collect land use charge from us. Yet whatever development that exists in this community today was achieved through communal efforts from both the Baale and the residents.

Perhaps, government now wants us to be sleeping in the streets.

“Some of us built our houses with our hard earned money and loans which we are still repaying.

Pension grants

They have disorganised us by invading our community and fencing us off; we are appealing to the state government to come to our aid

Some persons used their pension grants and gratuity to erect those structures. Yet, some unknown people are now bulldozing, excavating and fencing our houses,”he said with feeling.

Alhaji Mohammed Yusuf, known as Baba Canada, also could not explain why government could not come to the rescue of residents in the estate (Palmsbay) in spite of the fact that they(residents) have over the years faithfully paid their land use charges.

On his part, the Chairman, PalmsBay Estate of Labora Ibeju-Lekki, Alhaji Balogun Abdullateef, had this to say: “We have contacted the necessary authorities, but we’re yet to get any positive response. These people said nobody can stop them. We are appealing to the state and federal governments to come to our aid. We have gone to court. We have reported the

*Alhaji Tolani Bakare case to the police and we believe that God will help us.

We have written a petition to the state government and the state house of assembly. We are going to follow it up to the letter”.

In his response, Chairman, Board of Trustees, PalmsBay Estate Resident Association, Labora, Sir Ugonna Echefu, observed thus: “We are already in a chaotic situation. The estate was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC. We are peace makers, we are loyal and responsible citizens. There are doctors, lawyers, teachers, architects, business entrepreneurs who earn their daily income.

Incomes and life savings “They have dis-organised us by invading our community and fencing us off. We don’t know them. We are appealing to the state government to come to our aid because all of us have invested heavily in this estate.

“These buildings were erected by poor people whose incomes and life savings have been invested into the estate.

How do we fold our hands and allow people take our

properties from us. We cannot be thrown out with our families in this democratic dispensation”.

Explaining the efforts taken by the community to address this issue, Head of Labora/Owode land, Alhaji Tolani Bakare, said: “I was in my office when I was called that some people b r o u g h t caterpillar to the village and I sent one of my boys to investigate what was happening. To my surprise, they were beaten to a state of coma. When I was informed, I went to Elemoro Police Station to report the matter and the DPO gave me two policemen who accompanied me to the place. On getting there, I saw many policemen and thugs in their hundreds, grading and clearing the farmland. They said they were acting under authority.

I went back to the police station.

The DPO said, the case was beyond him. But we were all asked to report at the police station the following day. To my shock, neither the DPO nor those thugs attended the meeting.

“We later went to the Commissioner of Police who ordered the arrest of those thugs.

Unfortunately, they were released the following day. Then we went to the High Court, Ikorodu Division and got an interim injunction. But it seems these people are more powerful than we think. They are unstoppable, they even have no respect for court order. And that is why we are calling on the Lagos state governor, Fashola Babatunde to help us. We are also appealing to President Goodluck Jonathan to act on our behalf.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015 — 21

Nigeria, Indonesia non-oil trade hits $2.2bn

By Vera Anyagafu & Victor Gotevbe

trade relations.

He said: “The two countries are also planning a US$2.5 billion gas methanol and fertilizer plant in Nigeria with Pertamina of Indonesia and NNPC of Nigeria in collaboration with Eurochem Indonesia and Viva Methanol of Nigeria.

“Indonesia and Nigeria are very keen business initiators and harnessing both countries’ economies in key areas of their economies would go a long way in helping to strengthen the binational relations share.”

Bona explained that with the

T

HE Republic of Indonesia Trade Promotion Center’s Deputy Director, Mr. Bona Kusuma stated that bilateral trade between Indonesia and Nigeria in the non-oil sector has hit $2.2 billion (N440 billion).

He made this disclosure during a press conference at the embassy’s trade center in Lagos, pointing out that Nigeria needs to strategically promote its export potentials, especially in the non-oil sector.

Bona said that the ITPC is collaborating with Nigeria Export Promotion Council and Indonesia Commercial Association (NICA), to strategize and effectively promote trade relations between the two countries.

“The bilateral trade volume between Nigeria and Indonesia is about $2.2 billion in the non-oil sector, and there is need for Nigeria to strategically promote its export potentials, especially in the non-oil sectors.

“Nigeria is Indonesia’s second largest trade partner in Africa after South Africa. In 2011 our trade value reached US$2.09 billion and accounted for 21.66 percent of Indonesia’s total trade with Africa. In 2013, the bilateral trade volume between the countries hit $2.2 billion and there are over 15 Indonesian companies currently operating in Nigeria.”

Some of the companies, the he disclosed, have established manufacturing industries in Nigeria and are committed to promoting better business collaborations tended toward boosting Nigeria-Indonesia bi-

$129.30

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196.8 302.1864 219.8256 204.6376 1.6437 0.318 276.4403 31.3636 52. 4744 29.4876

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CENTRAL 197.3 302.9542 220.3841 205.1575 1.6479 0.328 277.1427 31.4438 52.6077 29.5625

CBN Exchange Rate as at 4/3/15

C M Y K

T 29.00

CURRENCY BUYING DOLLAR POUNDS FRANC EURO YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA

PPP project finance key to infrastructure development - Onolememen

3.05

$50.56

the Non-Oil Sectors of the Nigerian Economy,” is scheduled to take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, March 16 –20, 2015.

The business forum, which is the third in the series of Indonesia’s efforts towards building mutually beneficial partnerships among buyers, suppliers and companies in Nigeria and Indonesia, is expected to open unequaled networking opportunity, buyers/sellers strategic oneon-one meeting, plenary session, featuring G2G and many more to participants.

FROM LEFT: Director-General, National Automotive Council, Engr. Aminu Jalal; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga; and National President, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, during a stakeholders’ review meeting on the auto policy, in Abuja.

$3,115.00

$60.33

fall of global Petroleum Prices, the need for Nigeria to strategically promote its export potential in the non-oil sectors has become sine qua non.

The aforementioned export promotion, which will be conducted in partnership with African Leadership, Nigeria Export Promotion Council and the Nigeria Indonesia Commercial Association,is expected to receive maximum financial and logistic support from the Indonesia Embassy in Nigeria The Trade and Investment/Business Forum, with the theme ‘Harnessing the Export Potentials of

1 97.8 303.7218 220.9426 205.6774 1.6521 0.338 277.845 31. 5239 52.741 29. 6374

he Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolememen, on Tuesday said the completion of the Nigeria-Cameroon road demonstrated PublicPr i v a t e - Pa r t n e r s h i p (PPP) initiative as good funding option for infrastructure d e v e l o p m e n t .

Onolememen stated this in Enugu while speaking to newsmen on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Junction-Ikom-MfumCameroon border road.

He noted that the large capital requirement for road development could no longer be sustained solely from funding by the national budget.

“Consequently, we had to explore funding options with the World Bank and the African

Development Bank in financing this project under the Nigeria-Cameroon Transnational Highway. The completion of this project in record time shows that this strategy of partnership with multi-lateral and private sector financiers represents the way forward for all critical infrastructure in our country.“So, one of the lessons learned from this road is the need for us in this country to

This road, therefore, symbolizes the reaping of the dividends of our unique strategy of exploring innovative and resourceful ways of funding delivery of quality roads in the country

leverage on concessionary loans to drive critical road infrastructure projects across the countr y. This road, therefore, symbolizes the reaping of the dividends of our unique strategy of exploring innovative and resourceful ways of funding delivery of quality roads in the country,” he said. He also explained that the execution of the project had exposed the ministry to the benefits of replicating communityfriendly projects in communities where major roads project traversed.“This particular project was community-friendly as part of the N31 billion expended on this road was expended on community-friendly projects in communities along this road to boost economic activities. And from the experience of the social projects that were executed on this road, my ministry has learnt a lot from the execution of this project.

BoI blames decline in ext ernal reser xternal reservves on importation

By Franklin Alli

T

HE Bank of Industry (BOI) has blamed the continuous drops in the country’s foreign reserve on the obsession of Nigerians for imported goods The Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, stated this in Lagos, citing the importation of products which local manufacturers have the capacity to produce at international standards such as electricity meters, ceramic tiles, electronic payment cards, plastics, etc.

“We don’t need to import such things; this is one of the reasons why our foreign reserve has been under pressure. We keep importing what we produce locally. We cannot develop our industrial base if we are bent on patronising imported goods,” he stated.

He noted that, “The major strategic step for our country to take is to come out with an industrial policy that supports and encourages patronage of local companies such as Secure ID, Wempco; Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Co Limited, Mowe, Ogun State, etc.

“For instance, Momas produces all kinds of meterspre paid and post paid; they have a very modern prepaid meters manufacturing facility, so we don’t really have reasons for importing those things, rather we need to really find a way to support companies like these to grow and create employment.

Momas has capapcity to hire 500 staff if they are well patronised but currently its staff strength is 100 . So that is the impact of what we are talking about. We have been exporting our jobs to other countries because we have been importing goods from them. We need to begin to really support our own manufacturers.

These are things that we should be very proud of as Nigerians. I am very proud of what they have done and they require support that they can get from us, Nigerians and the Nigerian governments. That is what BOI is out to encourage.”

“What I am going to do, to be very specific, is to meet with the Federal Government and to put it on the table.”

22 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015 If you're not reaching your potential, the first thing you should do is to examine your past choices

,

,

Things that limit potential

By John Maxwell

W

ilma Rudolph, the Olympic track and field champion of the 1960s, said, “Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit.

We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.” We all have potential.

God has designed each of us to do something great.

But why do so few people actually realise all of their success potential? If success is a hot-air balloon, then what are the sandbags hanging off the basket, weighing us down and keeping us from rising to the height where we’re designed to fly? There are many variables that affect our ability to succeed in life. The following four things can keep you from reaching your potential.

Choices can limit you Decisions have consequences. And some decisions have more damaging consequences than others. If you’re not reaching your potential, the first thing you should do is examine your past choices. A poem says: “There is a choice you have to make, in everything you do.

So keep in mind, that in the end, the choice you make, makes you.”

Your choices do make you.

But if you’ve made bad choices in the past that have kept you from reaching your potential, the good news is that every day holds new opportunity. You can make right choices today that move you in the right direction. Make the right decisions, no matter how hard.

Then manage those decisions daily.

Impatience with the process “Are we there yet?” If you’ve been on a road trip with a child, you’ve probably heard this question more than once.

That’s because it’s normal for a kid to be impatient. The problem occurs when we become adults, and we’re still unwilling to wait. Every good goal usually is more difficult, takes longer, and costs more than we anticipate. When we rush or abandon the process, we often keep ourselves from reaching our potential.

Teddy Roosevelt said: “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied

a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.” Expect the process of success to take time, and embrace it. You’ll free yourself to reach your potential.

Failure to pay the price For everything you gain, you give up something. In life you’re either paying or playing. If you play now, you’ll pay later. But if you choose to pay now, you’ll be able to play later. But no matter what, you always have to pay. Have you counted the cost of achieving your goals?

Have you been paying the price, or did you hope you could avoid it? Charles Schwab said, “When a man has put a limit on what he will do, he has put a limit on what he can do.” We all need to be willing to do the work necessary to reach our potential.

We all have potential.

God has designed each of us to do something great

Failure to think creatively when problems arise Problems will arise. It’s a “ when,” not an “if.” Like expecting a process to take time, anticipating problems allows you to prepare for them. Then you’re able to be proactive in your approach to them, instead of just reacting emotionally when they occur.

Value problem-solving more than problem-spotting. Go beyond just an awareness of a problem, seek at least three possible solutions. The discipline of looking for more than one solution to any problem makes you recognise options that you wouldn’t otherwise see.

If you anticipate problems, you can prepare a reaction ahead of time. And even when they catch you by surprise, searching for more than one solution means you’ll think more strategically and react in a way that takes you closer to, not farther from, your goals. *Mr. Maxwell is a renowned motivational speaker/author

BUSINESS NAIRA EXCHANGE RATES (03/03/15) Currency DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

Buying(N)

Central(N)

Selling(N)

196.8

197.3

197.8

302.1864 219.8256 204.6376 1.6437 0.318 276.4403 31.3636 52.4744 29.4876 276.2088

302.9542 220.3841 205.1575 1.6479 0.328

303.7219 220.9426 205.6774 1.6521 0.338

277.1427

277.845

31.4438 52.6077 29.5625 276.9106

31.5239

Commod Light Crud

Natural G Sugar

52.741

Coffee

29.6374 277.6123

Cocoa

Business plan key to successful entrepreneurship

By Yinka Kolawole, with agency report

W

hy do many entrepreneurs who have brilliant business ideas never find the capital to transform their ideas into real life businesses? Why do most startup businesses fail to attract the loans and investments they need to grow and succeed? Why do more than 80 percent of businesses fail within their first five years? Basically, because many of them did not• have a plan. Like most people who travel to an unknown destination without a map, guide or directions, businesses without proper planning get lost and never reach their destination (success). As an important venture that requires an investment of time, effort and money, entrepreneurs must take business planning very seriously.

Business plan signifies strong commitment Studies have shown that entrepreneurs who have the discipline to prepare a business plan are two and a half times more likely to get into business.

Writing a business plan helps to focus and fight procrastination. Investing time and effort in researching target market, analysing competitors and estimating profit figures is bound to increase interest in bringing business idea to life.

A business plan has the power to positively affect your mindset.

When an idea is left undeveloped, it starts to lose significance. As you gather information about your business, you start to develop a strong level of confidence and •ecan-do•f spirit around your business idea. Whether you plan to start a business from scratch or want to expand an already established business, a plan will keep you interested, focused, committed and determined to take action.

Entrepreneurs who have the discipline to prepare a business plan are two and a half times more likely to get into business Business plan helps in developing idea The problem with thoughts is if you don’t write them down, you may forget them entirely. So you decide to write down your brilliant business idea. However, to become a real business, certain actions and investments of time, effort and money must happen to transform your beautiful idea into a successful business.

How will you start? How much will you need and who will you

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015 — 23

,

& YOU

dity de

Gas

COMMODITIES (04/03/15) Last 50.65 2.76

Change ($) +0.13

% Change +0.26

+0.04 -0.21

-1.56

129.30

+3.05

+2.42

3,115.00

+29.00

+0.94

Better preparedness and more likelihood for success Toyota is one of the most successful car brands in the world. Year after year, it continues to release the most beautiful and reliable ‘driving machines’ my eyes have ever seen. Like most car manufacturers, Toyota invests a lot of time, effort and money in the early stages of developing every new car model. A couple of years before the new model is released, Toyota’s engineers and specialists brainstorm tirelessly on different aspects of the new car model, especially in the areas of comfort, safety, speed, control and beauty. Toyota is serious about planning because it knows planning is always required for success. Toyota is always prepared, that’s why it always succeeds. Investing in planning usually leads to better preparedness, fewer surprises and a higher likelihood for success.

Keeps the business accountable You are very likely to be the biggest risk to your business.

Because you’re answerable to no one in your business,

,

Is your organisation's strategic planning waste of time and resources? (1)

+1.59

13.24

get it from? What kind of customers will you target?

Who is your competition and what will you do to protect your business from them? Are there any licenses, permits or government approvals you need before you start? Who will be responsible for what?

All of these are important questions that must be answered in order to transform your idea into a real business.

A business plan allows you to see your business from the top and understand how all the elements will fit into one another. Business plans often bring up interesting and creative alternatives that could make your original idea much better and powerful.

Many organisations develop plans but fail to realize the benfits of their plans

there’s usually that temptation to take the business for granted. A business plan allows you to set goals and track your progress and levels of achievement over time.

Without this accountability, the business will always be subject to guesses and impulsive actions and will definitely perform below its best potentials.

People who set specific, measurable and time-bound (SMT) targets for themselves usually perform much better than others. A business plan is the only way for entrepreneurs and businesses to hold themselves accountable using SMT targets. It’s the best way to eliminate procrastination, reduce the fear of failure and inspire you to take quick and bold actions that will make the dream business come true.

Busines plan boosts chances of raising capital How can you bring out that brilliant business idea and present it to potential business partners, bank loan officers, investors and other people who can provide the capital you need to start or expand your business? A plan is the most effective way to communicate your business idea to other people in a clear, complete and convincing manner.

Partners, investors and bankers are more likely to take you seriously if you have a well-written and professional business plan. Banks and investors actually take business plans very seriously.

Because the information it provides helps them to properly measure the risk of investing in your business.

Banks and investors take calculated risks; they’re not gamblers. Anybody who’s interested in your business idea wants to see that you have taken the time to do a proper and detailed planning.

By ‘Uju Onwuzulike

“Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion”...Jack Welch

A

Strategic Plan serves as a road map to provide direction and focus as well as to align the organizational team from board of directors and senior management to front-line leadership and employees. A good plan establishes the specific results that are to be achieved. It includes shared core strategies as a way to achieve the intended results and establishes a course of action for realizing them. A strategic plan helps the various departments/work units within an organization to align their work activities with the shared Core Strategies and strategic goals.

Many organizations develop plans but fail to realize the benefits of their plans. They focus only on planning and do not have an implementation and change management process. A yearly Strategic Management System and Cycle integrates both planning and implementation. It provides a comprehensive system to lead, manage, and change one’s total organization in a conscious, well-planned, integrated fashion based on its strategies and a proven process that works to develop and achieve one’s Ideal Future Vision.

However, most leaders and CEOs kept wondering why strategic planning, all too often, falls short of the mark.

My advice to them has always been: identify your organization’s strategic planning shortcomings and then take appropriate actions to correct each before the entire process becomes a waste of time and resources.

So, let us look at some shortcomings that urgently need to be corrected for strategic planning to yield desired results.

INEFFECTIVE PRE-

BY ‘UJU ONWUZULIKE

In all areas of life, success is best planned for in advance

PLANNING In all areas of life, success is best planned for in advance.

This is especially true for strategic planning. One common mistake is a failure to educate and organize the leadership team properly prior to planning. It typically results in an unstructured approach, reducing the effectiveness of the planning process and, ultimately, the plan. Actionoriented firms often make this mistake, only to pay for it later.

Solution: Your organization needs to lay the foundation for success The goals of the preplanning phase include educating the senior management team in order to develop a common understanding and terms regarding planning and change; determining the key issues to be addressed; organizing a successful planning process or series of sessions; tailoring the planning for the best implementation of the plan; and assessing organizational and leadership readiness for planning as well as implementation. In addition, a plan is put in place to address issues arising from the environmental assessment to

support successful planning and implementation.

PASSIVE TOP M A N A G E M E N T COMMITMENT More than half of Strategic Plans fail because commitment from the top is half-hearted or sporadic, when leaders do not actively participate in the planning process, delegating it to others. Without CEO and senior leadership, the plan lacks support to take it forward and it dies an early death.

Solution: Planning and Change are the primary job of every organization leaders If you desire a strategic planning and change process that is successful, you will need a firm consensus and active commitment from your top management. Senior leaders must play an active, visible role—not only in initiating the Strategic Plan, but also in following through.

VIOLATING THE “PEOPLE SUPPORT WHAT THEY HELP CREATE” PRINCIPLE Another problem arises when leaders do not engage key stakeholders, resulting in a plan where there is limited ownership and no real understanding of it.

Inadequate involvement of employees and other key stakeholders create a closed and secretive environment, causing resistance to change and results failure to engage stakeholders has serious implications for the actualization of the plan.

Solution: Engage key Stakeholders to create Ownership for the Plan and Results Because people are the ones who will implement plans, their commitment to the plan is essential. During the preplanning step, leaders need to determine who will participate in the planning process and how to engage other key stakeholders throughout the planning and implementation process. Knowing that people support that which they help to create, it is essential to determine how you will engage your stakeholders in the Planto-Plan phase, throughout the creation of the plan, and its implementation.

C M Y K

24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

Fidelity Bank disburses N80m MSME fund to three firms

By Babajide Komolafe

F

IDELITY Bank has dis bursed N80 million to three firms under the N220 billion Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) fund.

The MSME fund was established by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last year for lending to MSMEs at nine percent interest rate.

Speaking at the presentation of the fund to the beneficiaries, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo said that the three firms namely, Petters & Daniels Industries Limited, Uzo-Best Nigeria Limited, and Pecho Plastics, were the first set to benefit from the CBN fund through the bank.

He said about 400 MSME firms applied for the fund through Fidelity Bank, adding that others would be able to access the fund once they meet all the conditions for accessing it.

Okonkwo said that the disbursement marks a milestone in the commitment of Fidelity Bank to the growth of SMEs in the country. He said the bank recognises the critical role SMEs play in the economy and hence decided to devote resources to helping the SMEs operators through its Managed SME programme, executed by its SME department headed by a top official of the bank. He said through the Managed SME programme, Fidelity Bank’s staff work with SMEs to understand their challenges, needs of their

businesses in order to develop appropriate financing solution to them. He said an example is the N600 million funding provided to the 75,000 member footwear and textile SME cluster in Aba, Abia State. He noted that the Bank had never had a bad experience in its relationship with SMEs and it would continue to support and participate in any initiative to enhance the growth of the SMEs in the country.

Okonkwo commended the establishment of the N220 billion MSME Fund saying it would go a long way in enhancing access to cheap loans for MSMEs in the country. He said that hitherto lack of access to finance had been one of the major challenges confronting

BRIEFS SMEs in the country due to requirements like collateral, identity and credit scoring. He said while the challenge of identity and credit scoring are been addressed through the establishment of credit bureaus and the biometric verification number (BVN), while the CBN MSME fund addresses the challenges of collateral and interest rate. The fund, he said in addition to pegging interest rate at 9.0 percent also allows 50 percent collateral cover for loans to MSMEs. He said the N80 million being disbursed to the three firms, would enhance their capital and ability to compete in their different business segments.

From left: Managing Director, Pecho Plastics Nigeria Ltd, Anthony Anyabueke; Managing Director, Petters & Daniels Industries ltd, Peter Ugwuneke; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo; Managing Director, F. N. Uzo-Best Nigeria Ltd, Uzochukwu Nwadi; Executive Director, Lagos and South West Bank, Fidelity Bank Plc, Ikemefuna Mbagwu and National President, Small Business Owners of Nigeria, ASBON, Dr. Femi Egbesola at the presentation of the Fidelity CBN MSME fund to beneficiaries in Lagos

NIBSS, SystemSpecs partner FIRS on e-payment of taxes

T

he Nigeria Interbank Set tlement System (NIBSS) and SystemSpecs Nigeria Limited have partnered with the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) to provide electronic payment of taxes in the country.

The collaboration is part of efforts to enhance deployment of electronic payment platform for collection of government revenue under the Treasury Single Account (TSA) scheme of the federal government.

Addressing journalists at the sidelines of conference to enlighten tax payers on the electronic filling of tax returns and electronic payment of taxes channels, Executive Director, Business Development, NIBSS, Mrs. Christabel Onyejekwe said that the collaboration between the organisations was to develop an e-solution, a platform that would make it easy to pay tax across every channel in Ni-

geria. That means wherever you are, you can pay your tax easily without stress.

On the role of Remita in the e-filling scheme, Managing Director/Chief Executive, SystemSpecs, Mr. John Obaro said: “Before now, the FIRS had been collecting tax returns manually, but they have created a platform for electronic filing through the Remita platform. Remita is a payment engine and a number of organisations already use Remita to pay salaries, pension funds and others.

“But now, they are able to make tax payments to the FIRS on the platform. When they do that through the platform, they don’t need to submit any document again because we are integrated at the back to the FIRS. “With e-filing, the manual way of paying tax would be phased out gradually. There would be a period of transition

ultimately.”

Speaking on the rationale for developing the e-filling of tax returns and e-payment of taxes, Executive Chairman of FIRS, Alhaji Kabiru Mashi, said, “It is the quest for the simplification of tax payments that led the FIRS to roll out the electronic filling service, under the integrated tax administration system.

With e-filing, the manual way of paying tax would be phased out gradually.

There would be a period of transition ultimately

He explained that the, “e-tax Pay is an online self-service tax payment system whereby the taxpayers are given opportunity to pay their taxes through their banks’ online payment portal.

It is an initiative put in place by FIRS in collaboration with Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) and approved collecting Banks, to assist taxpayers pay their taxes with maximum ease.

“Taxpayers can do it themselves using the electronic service channels provided by their bankers. These service channels will include the banks internet banking, ATM and other mobile banking platforms.”

FirstBank funds acquisition of vessel for oil firm

A

S part of its continued drive to improve local content in the nation’s oil and gas industry, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has given a boost to the capability of one of its corporate customers, Petrolog, by funding the acquisition of a brand new ABS classed Dynamic Positioning (DP2) Dive support Vessel “DSV Vinnice”.

The vessel which is 85 metres long with a beam of 22 meters is the largest indigenously owned DSV in its class and is capable of providing diving, offshore construction and field support. It is equipped with 4 point mooring system, 100 tons AHC Crane, Shaft generators for the two bow thrusters and two firefighting pumps. It is powered by 3 main 800kW Caterpillar generators, the vessel is also equipped with a 192kW emergency generator and the saturated diving system is powered by dedicated 800kW main and 400kW emergency generators. The Vessel is also equipped with an ABS classed Air dive system for more shallow subsea diving activities and will be commissioned for business operations on Tuesday, March 3, 2015.

The Insurance on the vessel was packaged by FBN Insurance Brokers with a consortium of indigenous insurance companies led by Leadway Assurance, AIICO Insurance and FBN Insurance Limited.

Sterling Bank increases on-line micro credit by over 200%

F

ollowing the success of the So cial Lender Scheme introduced last year and the impressive response from the beneficiaries; the members of the on-line community, Sterling Bank Plc has increased the minimum amount for online “quick cash” from N3,000 to N10,000. The Bank also targets 6000 beneficiaries for the current year.

Last year, the Bank disbursed over N5million to over 2000 on-line customers within six months of its introduction. Over 90 percent of the amount advanced has been paid back by the beneficiaries.

Social Lender; the first in Nigeria is a modified peer to peer lending solution using the Social Media Platforms through which micro-credit is offered to members of these communities. The scheme provides a platform for online followers who are customers of Sterling Bank to obtain these monies via social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter.

The Bank’s Group Head, Strategy & Communications, Mr. Shina Atilola who disclosed this at the weekend explained that the scheme was repackaged because of its success story for the Bank, the quality of feedback from members of the online community and the impressive pay back rate of the beneficiaries.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015 — 25

*Candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), waiting patiently for a print-out containing their examination and centre numbers at JAMB office in Benin on Tuesday. Photo: NAN.

Confusion, irregularities greet 2015 UTME, as exams begin Monday

By Dayo Adesulu

T

HE

2015

Unified

Tertiary

Matriculation Examination, UTME billed to commence on Monday, March 9 has been greeted with confusion and irregularities, as candidates struggle to access the website of JAMB to print examination slips without a success.

Complaints from candidates revealed that they were subjected to pay extra charges of N100 to check their examination centres at JAMB office. Just as they also alleged to have paid N700 to register for the exams earlier.

While JAMB stated that examination commences on 9th March, many candidates, however complained of being confused about the different examination dates in their slips.

On Monday, over 1.4 million students who registered for the 2015 Unified

Problem of education not curriculum but implementation - Col Itodo (retd) Pg. 29

Success Recipe

Life responds to you Pg. 28 C M Y K

Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, will sit for the examination beginning 9th March.

Candidates for the first time in the past three years, will compulsorily write the tertiary examinations via Computer-Based Test, CBT, without options of the Paper-Pencil Testing, PPT, or the Dual-Based Testing, DBT. The examination which will commence on Monday, according to JAMB, will run for 10 days, leaving candidates to jostle for the 800,000 admission slots in Nigeria's tertiary

institutions.

Although candidates have been informed since 2013 that from 2015, those writing the examination will no longer have the paper-pencil or dualbased testing options but just computerbased testing, it seems many of the candidates are yet to come to the reality of this development.

Professor Dibu Ojerinde had in 2013 said: “The CBT is not compulsory, as every candidate would have the choice to choose either the PPT or the DBT but in 2015, it will be compulsory for all

UTME candidates."

The Registrar who gave reasons why it was inevitable to do away with the PPT and embrace the computer-based test stated that it will curb examination malpractice and enhance quick release of examination results.

He explained: "The idea of the CBT is that after 30 minutes of the examination and the candidate leaves the exam hall, a graphical result of the test will be sent to the candidate’s mobile phone

Continues on page 26

FG urged to take French language seriously like other subjects •As foundation donates free books on French

By Dayo Adesulu

I

n its quest to boost the quality of education available to our teeming Nigerian youths, Black Heritage Show Foundation, a non governmental organization has donated French books to five schools in Lagos which teach French Language.

The beneficiary schools include; Nic-Runnic Nursery and Primary School, Ojo, Holy Blessing Nursery and Primary School, Abule Egba, Queen Diana International, Nursery and Primary School, Oja-Oba, Chik

Montessori Nursery and Primary School, Oja-Oba and A&T Nursery and Primary Schools, Agege.

Speaking at the book presentation to A&T Nursery and Primary Schools, Agege, Mr Louis Coyo who represented the Chairman of the Foundation, Rev Fr Francis Okpara said the gesture was born out of passion to promote French Language among students who are interested in the subject but lack basic fundamental books to grow. “We gave to these selected schools because they gave premium to French Language,” he said.

According to him, a lot of children are language illiterates in Nigeria which will not help them to fully represent Nigeria in the nearest future. He lamented a situation where some of our diplomats travel to francophone countries and can not address their audience in French Language. “This is a minus to us as a country,” he added. Some of these people in these smaller francophone countries who come to Nigeria, he noted, express themselves also in English, Nigerians should be able to

Continues on page 26

26 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

FG urged to take French language seriously like other subjects Continues from page 25

From left: Gnet Ogbevine, Assistant Head Teacher, A&T Nursery and Primary School, Agege; Mr Louis Coyo, representing Chairman, Black Heritage Show Foundation, Rev Fr Francis Okpara and Stella Uche Ibeh, Head Teacher, A&T Nursery and Primary School, Agege during the presentation of French textbooks to the school.

Confusion, irregularities greet 2015 UTME, as exams begin Monday Continues from page 25 number, while the specific scores will be released within the period of four days.”

At the début of this initiative in 2013, the examination body secured 77 centres across the country where the computerbased test held. However, speaking with Vanguard Learning, its Public Relations Officer, Mr Fabian Benjamin said the centres have been increased to 400 across the nation.

Whereas in 2013, JAMB recorded just 4,000 registered candidates that showed interest in computer-based test, the remaining 1.7 million did either paper-pencil testing or dual-based testing, but today, the 1.4 million registered candidates will compulsorily sit for CBT. Comparing the statistics of early years of UTME candidates' registration, we discovered a steady decline since 2013 when the CBT was introduced. In 2013, about 1.7 million people registered for UTME, in 2014, the number fell to 1.6 million, while about 1.4 million have registered for this year's examination.

Test and Dual-Based Test. In 2013, 10 candidates scored 300 marks and above, while 127,017 candidates scored between 1-159 marks. So, based on the above records, the decline in UTME registration cannot be as a result of academic improvement of students.

A school of thought posits that the increase in number of Nigerian universities has absorbed the backlog of unadmitted students. Looking at the capacity of the nine universities added to the existing ones in 2013, you will discover that the total number of students admitted in those public universities are not up to 500,000. So, where have the students gone?

Another school of thought believes that private universities have since absorbed the backlog of UTME candidates to their schools. The question begging for answer is: how many parents can afford the fees of these private universities? Many of the private universities in Nigeria

Performance of UTME candidates The figure for the 2014 UTME shows a decrease of 129,139 when compared with last year’s total figure of 1,735,892 applicants.

There is a decrease this year compared to the last year which might not be unconnected with the introduction of CBT. For instance, when it was PPT in 2013, a total of 1.7 million registered for the examination. What could have been responsible for the steady decline?

First thing that comes to mind is that our students have improved academically and gained admission to their desired institutions of higher learning.

However, the performance of UTME candidates in the past three years have been abysmal. In 2014, only 47 candidates scored 250 and above in the Paper-Pencil

The uniqueness of JAMB is that it is mainly for Nigerian education, so the fact that the number of candidates who register for the exam is dwindling, shows that people are not patronising the Nigerian ducation system

collect between N400,000 and N1,000,000 as fees from each student depending on their course.

Where have the candidates who registered and failed in 2013 and 2014 gone to? Have they resorted to polytechnics and colleges of education? I am not sure they are there, because of the incessant ASUP strikes, the last which lasted almost a session. Where exactly are these students, over 300,000 students are no where to be found.Could the introduction of CTB have discouraged UTME candidates from registering for the examinations?

Registering for the examinations Speaking in this regard, Professor Anthony Kila said: “The fall in number of JAMB candidates in 2015 tell us that Nigerian population is growing, access to Education is increasing and tertiary institutions are also increasing. What those numbers tell us is that people are not having faith in the Nigerian system of education any more.

“The uniqueness of JAMB is that it is mainly for Nigerian education. So the fact that the number of candidates who registere for UTME is dwindling, shows that people are not patronising the Nigerian education system, they are looking elsewhere.

“The question to be asked is: Why are they looking elsewhere?

They are looking elsewhere because quality is low, they are scared of strikes, also people managing the education system don’t have their children in the system. As a result, there are no incentives for citizen to patronise the Nigerian education system.

They are going elsewhere, abroad, neighbouring African countries, they are going to private universities.

"The only people left to go to Nigerian universities are those that have no choice. It is a very sad and sorry state of affairs for

Continues on page 27

do the same when they go there. These, he added, will enable us have a place in the comity of nations.

He said: “French and English are the Languages of communication in the United Nations as they are given premium above other languages in the world. Nigeria is surrounded by francophone countries, eg Benin Republic, Niger in the north, and Cameroon have boundaries with Nigeria in the north and in the south.

If we are surrounded by these countries and cannot speak their language, it is a problem.

"For example, during the problem of insurgency in Nigeria, the countries we sought for their help are the francophone countries. In the joint force who do you think will lead the force? It is those who can speak both languages. In the Nigeria army, how many of our people can speak French and English?

When there was a problem in Mali, Nigerian troops were sent there, it was not easy because we needed a general who could speak both English and French to lead the troop. Though it will take time to correct this, nevertheless, we want to start from somewhere.

Meanwhile, Mrs Stella Ibeh, Head Teacher, A&T Nursery and Primary Schools who lauded the gesture of Black Heritage Foundation said, "It is a welcomed gift, because students have embraced French as a language.

French textbooks The problems we have been having over the years in teaching of French Language is availability of teachers and French text books for students. Everybody claims to have studied French, but not everyone can teach French language. To have a foundation like this distributing French books to our students is a welcome idea and we applaud them for that.

We have about two French teachers in the school who are part time because they will never stay as full time heaping the reason on the pay. They rather shuttle from one school to another to earn more.

In order to help students make good use of the book, we shall form a French When there was Reading Club for problem in Mali, students.

Ibeh, however Nigerian troop urged the federal were sent there, it government to take French Language was not easy seriously as they because we needhave taken other subjects.

This, ed a general who according to her will could speak both help students develop love for the English and subject especially French to lead the those who are on troop training right now.

French Language should be stroked with English Language since it is a lingua Franca, adding that it should be properly integrated into the Colleges of Education curriculum.

The government should also provide them with the necessary materials. Just like children, if you want to attract a child into a particular subject, you use motivations. The federal government can motivate teachers not only in remuneration but also in other areas. Certain percentage of our budget should be channel towards learning other languages by ensuring that the Nigeria French Language Village is supported to live up to their expectations.

The way Yoruba, Ibo and Hausa Languages have been given dominance, French Language should be given same premium too. Children are excited when it come to learning of French Language, they see it as a time for fun. We should encourage them by making it a compulsory subject in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015 — 27

Confusion, irregularities greet 2015 UTME, as exams begin Monday

*Joshua Agbede, Vimp Participant being presented his certificate of participation by Dr Uzo Uchenna, Director of Programs, LBS; Steve Iwenjora, VP, ACA Foundation on the closing day of VIMP 2015 at LBS.

NBC’s Technical Training Centre: Deepening Nigeria’s talent pool

N

NANNA Ogbonna, an

Electronic Engineering graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, had a dream of working in an organization that would provide him the platform to practise what he studied in the University. His joy knew no bounds when he was eventually hired by the Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd, NBC, the nonalcoholic beverage giant, as one of the Graduate Trainees in 2013.

He was further overwhelmed with joy when he assumed duty and was placed on 15 months training at the Company ’s Technical Training Centre, TTC, Ikeja. Nnanna is just one of the hundreds of beneficiaries of NBC’s capability development initiative.

Indeed, capacity building and talent development should be a major focus of any organization that wants to run a sustainable business. This is true to the extent that enhanced employee capacity has a direct link with productivity and national economic growth.

Organisations vote sizeable part of their annual budget to the continuous training and retraining of their workforce because of its direct impact in

shaping the organisations, their operating environments and ultimately, their consumers.

NBC, a company incorporated in Nigeria in 1961 and a major driver of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Group, has over the years proven to be one of the few companies that are genuinely committed to the Nigerian economy and manpower development.

With a clear definition of

Capacity building and talent development should be a major focus of any organization that wants to run a sustainable business

purpose and strategic mandate to help sustain the operation of a viable business entity, which in turn ensures sustained economic growth on a larger scale, NBC in 1996 set up the TTC. Among others, the objectives of the Centre include: consistent provision of a pool of resourceful and competent engineers and technicians conversant with the highly demanding technology and operating environment in the beverage industry; continuous provision of high technical and leadership competencies training to young Nigerians; and commitment to stimulation of performance, improved productivity as well as valueadded production capacity that engender economic growth.

Over 18 years down the line, the TTC has gained the reputation as a platform for provision of technical manpower for Nigeria’s industrial sector by ensuring an open-door policy that avails young people who meet certain criteria into the institute the opportunity to acquire technical training. Products of the Centre are known to demonstrate high technical and leadership competencies which earn them accelerated career progression within the organization.

A cross-section of graduands from the NBC Technical Training Center, Ikeja, Lagos.

Continues from page 26 the country. We all need to look into it."

Meanwhile, former Head of Department, Adekunle Ajasin University and Joseph Ayo Babalola University said: “Everyone is aware that the standard of our students sitting for JAMB has fallen drastically in terms of knowledge of the subjects examined by JAMB. We can’t place blame yet until we research into it.

However, one reason is that the government, to me, is not doing much in the educational sector, in terms of providing facilities and paying teachers’ salaries as at when due, so that there will be no strikes and no disturbances from the students themselves. Because the disturbances and strikes cause inhibitions to learning and that creates a lot of problems for the institutions.

"That is why the statistics is coming down and it will keep coming down, unless the situation is addressed properly by federal government, state government, retired stakeholders, religious bodies that are stakeholders in the sector, and so on. If we do not do this, I would not be surprised if next year it drops further.

“During our days, education was not taken for granted as it is these days. Many teachers are not even qualified to teach yet they are employed to teach

Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Physics and English Language. You can see the writing skill of the students has dropped drastically because they do not understand English language. Many of them cannot write a sentence correctly.

“All these things put together are responsible for the decline in the registration of students for JAMB. Instead of ascending, the statistics is descending and this is because the situation is very bad.

Admission to public universities “However, there are some of them who do not have the money to pay for the exam, just as there are others who have gotten admission to public universities but cannot even afford to go there.

"Besides, We have seen some students who want to go to universities but their parents cannot afford to send them to public universities, even as low as the public universities charge.

"Private universities are also suffering from lack of registration because many of the universities that have just been approved may not have students. Many of the students are staying at home because they cannot pay the expensive school fees. There are a lot of problems and they are mingled together.”

College of Agriculture partners Swiss project on capacity building

By Tare Youdeowei

T

he Federal College of Agriculture, Akure is collaborating in Switzerland Government project aimed at developing manpower for the agric sector.

Known as Capacity Building for Agricultural Education in Nigeria, the project is to be implemented by Switzerland School of Agricultural Forest and Food Sciences on behalf of the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) in collaboration with the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure.

The project,the Provost,Dr Samson Adeola said, has been developed within the framework of the Migration Partnership between Nigeria and Switzerland established in February 2011.

It aims to expand the dialogue and to enhance the cooperation within the field of migration between the two partner nations and to find constructive solutions to the challenges of global

migration, in a spirit of partnership and trust.

Odedina said the project which is to last for two years would consolidate on the achievements already recorded by the college during pilot and first phases of the project where the College excelled.

Specifically the project is intended to build the capacity of small scale farmers.

Odedina said that the development is a further recognition of the College as a leading provider of Agricultural education in the world system.

He therefore enjoined the Organised Private Sector, OPS, especially the AgroAllied industries to partner with the college in capacity building so as to attain the aims of the Federal Government through Agricultural Transformation Agenda, ATA, especially in training young and emerging farmers on value chain opportunities.

28—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

SUCCESS RECIPE WITH UDEME ARCHIBONG successrecipe2009@gmail.com www.worldlightbearesint.com 08035095243

Online education myths busted

By Amaka Abayomi

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IVEN the dire straights Nigerian education has found itself in, with no foreseeable improvement, foreign studies have come to the rescue. And running online programmes with foreign varsities has been an opportunity Nigerians’ desire for better and higher education is being met.

Globally, online learning is on the rise. According to a 2013 report by the Babson Survey Research Group, over 6.7 million post-secondary students were enrolled in, at least, one online class in 2011, compared to only 1.6 million in 2002, and highereducation institutions continue to refine and enhance their online curriculum.

Online learning In 2002, about 72 percent of these schools offered some form of online learning, and that increased to nearly 87 percent in 2012.

Below are some busted myths which have prevented a lot of young Nigerians from pursuing online degree programmes.

Myth #1: Employers don’t value online degrees/certificates It is falsely believed that employers don’t value online degrees or certificates but the truth is that they do value and are often bound to respect accredited online degrees or certifications. Most respected companies really appreciate their employees taking the initiative of earning degrees online.

According to Joy Mkpocha, employers truly appreciate staff with online degrees, especially those from foreign universities as it translates to the overall growth of the organisation.

She said “the decision to earn an online degree from a reputable university in the Uk is one of the best I made as it earned me a promotion in my workplace and has given me the opportunity to transfer my knowledge to the work challenges.”

Myth #2: Online courses are easier and students don’t receive support while studying Just like in the regular courses, students engaged in online education will find their instructors to be their first points of contact. Though there will be guides assigned to you to help with your queries, other students can also be reached using the online forums of many college sites.

Also, online students are required to be equally diligent like in any regular course. They need to be highly disciplined and super efficient about time management while studying online because there are deadlines for submission of assignments and examinations.

For Olufemi Akinwale who ran

It is falsely believed that employers don’t value online degrees or certificates but the truth is that they do value and are often bound to respect accredited online degrees or certifications

an online degree programme with University of Leicester, England, “it wasn’t easy but I thank God I survived it because the tutors would take their time to read through the assignments and exam and tell you where you made mistakes and what is expected from you. But it paid off at the end because I’m better off knowledge-wise.”

Myth #4: There is no time limit for completion of the course Accredited online degrees from reputed universities are very much time bound as you are to submit your assignments and projects as at when due without any exception. This goes a long way in teaching you proper time management and keeping to schedules.

Pointing out that running an online programme has made him a stickler for time, Obi Daniels said “before I commenced the programme, I was very bad with keeping time and it nearly cost me a session because I though it was like the Nigerian system whereby you can appeal with the lecturers and they’ll accept late submission of assignments.

“With the online programme, once the assignment platform is closed, it would take the Grace of God and how cogent your reasons are before you’ll be allowed to submit you assignment.”

Myth #5: Quality of online courses is low If you are enrolled in a reputed institution, online or off it, be rest assured that the quality of education you will receive is the best. Often online environment is an extension of the regular classrooms. You will find experienced faculties to guide you all through.

Provost urges new students to be law-abiding

By Chinenyeh Ozor

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ROFESSOR Ben Mbah, Provost, Federal College of Education Eha-Amufu in Enugu state, has urged newly admitted students to be discipline and lawabiding during their stay in the institution.

Mbah said this during the 21st matriculation ceremony of the college in which one thousand two hundred students took vow.

He said that the college expect

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the new students to behave responsibly and must not allow their freedom to infringe on the right of other students and staff of the college.

“Give much attention to your study to enable you make good grade on graduation. “If you have any problem quickly inform your lecturer or HOD so that they will help you find solution to the problem, “he said.

The provost warned the new

students to beware of those who claimed to be students but have sacrificed their study at the altar of fashion, frequent travelling and other frivolities.

“If you want to graduate in flying colour as well as justify the money your parents invest on your studies, beware of such unserious students.

“This college being a coeducational institution, you are expected to visit the opposite sex hostels at only management unapproved hours, do not habour visitors against the regulation of the institution especially at the night.

He advised that by the end of three years, the students are expected to pass all prescribed courses to be qualified for the award of Nigeria Certificate of Education (NCE , explaining that the college has zero tolerance for exam-malpractice.

Life responds to you!

L

IFE is yelling! “There is a banquet of abundance of everything you need to live a fulfilled life. Are you ready to be a partaker of this banquet?” Yes! There is more than enough for everyone but you must be ready. Life does not engage in the game of luck and chance but only those who are prepared will partake of the bounties of life.

Life’s banquet includes unlimited wealth, health, happiness, fulfilling relationships, growth, peace, security, freedom, opportunity and so much more. In order to access and claim these bounties you must purchase the ticket for the banquet at the cost of love. The force of love is your access ticket to purchase these vaults of valuables from life. Yes! Your preparation to be a partaker of the banquet entails flooding your thoughts and feelings with love.

Your life is shaped by what you love and by your lack of love. Every thought and feeling given out returns to its source which is you. As the writer of the script of your life; whatever story lines you choose to put down will direct and become your life episodes.

When a co-worker gets the promotion and the raise we’ve been longing for; are we genuinely excited for him or her? Are we truly excited about the success, progress and happiness of others? Or do we pretend to be happy when the individual is there but feel sick in the stomach as a result of their progress? Do we judge and criticize people out of envy and jealousy?

Do we talk people down and make them look small so that we can look “big”? Here’s the catch, “What you feel about another person, what you think or say about another person, what you do to another person- you do to you” this is a law. That’s the reason when you think you are hurting another person, in essence you are hurting your own destiny and life. Whenever we give out negative thoughts and feelings, we attract into our life negativity. However, when our thoughts and feelings are full of love, we attract positive and good things into our lives.

Therefore, when next you see someone possess the things or qualities you desire to have; get excited and feel good about it and you will attract the same into your life. Resentment, guilt, depression, criticism and the like represent a lack of love in your thoughts and feelings and these will bring all sorts of negativity into your life through Life does not people, circumstances and events. engage in the When we see something we do not love or someone exhibiting a quality game of luck we do not love refrain from emitting and chance but hatred into the universe but rather don’t give it your attention; turn only those who away from it. Make a decision and are prepared get into the habit of emitting love into the universe and life will beckon will partake of and lavish on you its abundance. the bounties of THE ECHOES OF LIFE A boy and his father are walking life in the mountains.

Suddenly the son falls, hurts himself, and screams: “AAAhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

Curious, he yells:”Who are you?”

He receives the answer: “Who are you!”

Angered at the response, he screams: “Coward!”

He receives the answer: “Coward!”

He looks to his father and asks: “What’s going on?”

The father smiles and says: “My son, pay attention.”

And then he screams to the mountain: “I admire you!”

The voice answers: “I admire you!”

Again the man screams: “You are a champion!”

The voice retorts: “You are a champion!’

The boy is surprised but does not understand.

Then the father explains: “People call this ECHO, but really, this is LIFE. It gives you back everything you say or do.

Our life is simply a reflection of our actions.

Life will give you back everything you have given to it” Anonymous.

Here lies the key: life does not happen to you rather life responds to you. Life echoes back into your life the thoughts, feelings, words and actions you give out towards others and yourself. Yes! Life responds to the thoughts and feelings you give out not just towards others but also to you. Therefore, let go of the hurt and pains of the past and the miseries of the present and hold on to the joy of the future. If you think lowly of yourself, life will respond by bringing lowly circumstance your way. If you think you do not deserve the great things in life, life will deny you its riches.

Therefore, rewrite the script of your life and life will play back the story lines in to your life. Emit love into the universe towards others and life itself and you will experience life’s amazing abundance of all good things.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015—29

Problem of education not curriculum but implementation – Col. Itodo (retd) COLONEL Dickson A. Itodo (retd.) is the Director of Liberty Square Academy and Presiding Bishop of Liberty Square Ministries with headquarters in Abuja. He served the Nigerian Army for 26 years before he retired in 2001. In this chat with Vanguard Learning in Abuja recently, the former Chief Pharmacist of the Nigerian Army speaks on why he got into the education sector, the challenges, and says those who are in the sector just to make profit will be disappointed. Excerpts:

By Ebele Orakpo

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HY I left the Army: “I retired from the Nigerian Army in 2001 at a time that I was actually flying high in my career.

I was not thinking of disengaging at all but then came this call. Jesus appeared to me twice. The message was clear - take the gospel of liberty to the four corners of the earth and to all the continents of the world. He added a couple of other things to make the vision clear and one of them was educational package with a Christian bias.

In fact, he asked me to start from the cradle up to the highest citadel of learning and that is why we have crèche for babies. We are in Abuja and Lagos for now and we hope to spread to other parts of the country, even to rural areas.

The vision I received was to raise godly role models and release them into the society so they can model what we teach in church.”

Why we started Liberty Square Academy: “People open schools for different reasons – some for profit and some because they are naturally wired to educate people.

Ours is a vision from God and we hold sacrosanct this vision while pursuing this educational programme.

Like I said, the vision is taken right from crèche to the university level. It will still be Liberty Square Academy, up to Liberty Square Secondary School, and Liberty Square University in future. Right now, we have six branches in all – five in Abuja and one in Lagos and the fee is very affordable.”

Unique selling point: “In this school, we have two unique selling points. One, every child goes home with a Bible verse every day. If you come to our assembly ground tomorrow for instance, you will see the kids rhyming the memory verse from the Bible. Stop a child from Liberty Square Academy at any time of the day and he/she will tell you the verse for the day.

The Lord said we should put these verses in them while they are young. ‘Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it,’ says Proverbs 22:6 and we hold strongly to this. Two, we combine the British system and American

•Col. Dickson Itodo (retd)

Montessori curriculum to give our students the best.”

Educational curriculum: “The curriculum is not the problem; the problem is the teachers being churned out from our colleges of education and faculties of education of our universities. That is where the problem is. You have a teacher for example that cannot teach the child basic English. We have a very big problem with English language that sometimes I wonder from where we are going to start solving the problem.

It is a national problem

It’s not only English but every other subject because if you don’t understand basic English, how can you understand history, biology, agriculture and other subjects?

actually. Just interact with any graduate on the street and you hear him speaking English with tenses upside down.

Recently, we tried to introduce a new set of teachers who we hoped would be able to give us what we needed and we were so disappointed that there was really none among them that could deliver. That is the challenge we are having. It is an emergency in the educational sector; the fact that we cannot actually deliver what should be. It’s a big issue.”

Way forward: “The government has to go back to the drawing board. We need to get back to the schools and start teaching the right stuff and stop cutting corners. Train the trainers; let them learn these things properly. Take up any English textbook; there is a way it goes. If you read it very well, you will know how to speak English. People are not studying any more.

“I left secondary school in 1980 and the university in 1985, yet, I am still reading English language. I check the dictionary every day, it is a continuous improvement. Apart from teaching them the right stuff in school, everybody

should get back to school personally. It’s not only English but every other subject because if you don’t understand basic English, how can you understand history, biology, agriculture and other subjects?”

But you recruit your teachers from the same system...

“Exactly! For now, we have no solution to the problem.

Only the government can solve this problem because they make policies; they set up the curriculum. May be they have to get back to the school system and get it right from there.

Ensure they get it right at the primary and secondary school levels which feed higher institutions.

It’s garbage in, garbage out.

I have listened to our teachers here and they are supposed to be among the best in Gwarinpa, Abuja and I wonder where we are heading to. Like I said, the curriculum is not the problem but the implementation.

Business challenges If you fail English language, then you failed and you should not be given any waiver. Go back and repeat and pass.”

Challenges: “We face the same business challenges as other sectors. We are also fighting against the same forces that militate against the economy. On the one side is corruption and on the other side is power. We cannot use our teaching aids that need electricity except we have generator and that is money, added to the electricity bill.

Parents will not understand why you have to tell them to pay more to offer your services because they also don’t have so much money.

“If for instance light truly improves, corruption is caged and people stop cutting corners and start doing things right, things will definitely improve,” he said.

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Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition open, as he turns 70

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NTRIES for the 12th Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition for Secondary School Students in Nigeria is now open from March 9th to May 15th, 2015, as part of the activities lined up to mark the 70th Birthday of Dr. Mike Okonkwo The Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM).

The topic for this year ’s competition of the 12th Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition is “The Nigerian Political Class and the Citizens Quest for Good Governance”.

The competition is aimed at contributing to the educational sector in the country and to sensitize the students by encouraging them to excel in their world by developing their ability to think through issues and make a change in their world even at their tender age. Over the years the competition has been very successful in helping these youths to develop analytical and problem-solving skills.

Like previous years, the star winner school gets three (3) internet ready desktop computer and a printer, while the student goes home with a trophy, Laptop, N100,000.00 cash and a plaque.

The first runner up school gets 2 internet ready desktop computers and a printer and the student

tomorrow a collective responsibility), 2006 edition (lawlessness and the rule of law in the Nigerian society), 2007 edition (political office and governance: for gain or service?), 2008 edition (the role of judiciary in sustenance of democracy), 2009 edition (global economic trend: the alternatives for Nigeria), 2010 edition (Nigeria @ 50: its leadership, development and the future), 2011 edition (survival of Nigerian state: political and economic implications), 2012

BishopMike Okonkwo goes home with a cash prize of N75,000.00 with a plaque. The second runner up school gets an internet ready computer, while the student gets N50,000.00 cash prize and a plaque. th For participation in the 12 Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition for Secondary School Students, the entry requirements include: Essay of maximum of 2000 words, a Passport Photograph of the Student, Full Name, Address,

Contact Telephone Number, Class, School and Name and Telephone contact of the Principal. Essay could be submitted through email to essay@trem.org or by post to The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) International Headquarters, Obanikoro/Anthony Oke Bus Lagos.

Topics handled over the years include: 2004 edition (securing the Nigerian future: improving the standards of education), 2005 edition (building leaders for

The competition is aimed at contributing to the educational sector in the country and to sensitize the students by encouraging them to excel in their world

edition (dependence of Nigeria economy on crude oil any alternatives?), 2013 edition (overcoming the Nigerian security challenges: a panacea for national growth and development). And for 2014 the topic was (The Power of Your Vote: a catalyst for a stable and united Nigeria).

The Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition spans over a decade of developing and rewarding the writing skills of Nigerian youths towards national development.

The prizes for this year ’s competition will be presented to the winners at the 16th Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture, which has been scheduled for Thursday, September 3rd, 2015 at the Muson Centre (Shell Hall) by 10.00 am prompt.

Dr. Mike Okonkwo is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) a.k.a. Power in the Word with over 200 branches in Nigeria and across the globe. He is an Apostle to this generation, whose life has impacted millions around the world. A father to many, and a pastor to pastors across the globe, Dr Mike Okonkwo is also a dynamic conference speaker, crusade evangelist, a national spokesman for Nigeria , and an advocate of balanced Christianity.

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34—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

Is deployment of soldiers during elections constitutional?

Ahead of the rescheduled general elections, there has been controversies over the constitutionality or otherwise of deploying soldiers during the polls. The two sides of the divide have cited the provisions of the constitution to support their positions. But the question lingers, is it constitutional or not? Two legal practitioners examine the issues.

The constitution and the deployment of our armed forces during elections

Military in Nigerian elections — THE LEGAL ISSUES

By Ikechukwu Ikeji

By Itse Sagay

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HAVE watched with utter amazement as lawyers and nonlawyers have continued to misinterpret the scope of the President’s powers to deploy our Armed Forces, as provided for in Sections 217 and 218 of the Constitution.

Section 218 is not an independent section. It is qualified by Section 217, which clearly lays out the circumstances and conditions under which our Armed Forces can be deployed. These are: (i) for the defence of Nigeria from external aggression. (ii) for the maintenance of the territorial integrity and securing the borders of Nigeria from violation on land, sea and air, (iii) for suppressing insurrection and acting in aid of civil authorities to restore

order when called upon to do so by the President; subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.

The powers of the President as provided in Section 218(1) are qualified and limited

by Section 217(2). In other words, the powers of the President to determine the operational use of the Armed Forces (Section 218) is not writ large. It is limited to deployment of troops for the defence of Nigeria from external aggression, protecting our territorial integrity and for suppressing [internal] insurrection in aid of civil authorities. In this last case, i.e., suppression of insurrection and assistance to civil authorities, the President’s powers can only be deployed on terms and conditions prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly. To this extent, this third use of the President’s

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— Page 36

R

ECENTLY, the issue of military involvement in Nigerian elections has become contentious such that politicians have attempted to use it to amass political capital and/or to score political points. Some see nothing wrong in bringing in the military to assist in election management processes while others view it as an aberration that should not only be condemned but must be stopped by all means.

In the light of the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria and the likelihood of the military being deployed to provide security during and perhaps after the elections, and given the opposition against this likely event, it is imperative that well meaning Nigerians weigh in with objective and legally sound opinions to help clear the maze and confusion caused by the

proposition for, and opposition to, involving the military in the elections.

First, it is important to address the different facets of involvement of military in elections. Involvement may be in any of the following forms: 1. By way of being members of the electoral management body (INEC, in Nigeria).

2. By way of contesting elections as candidates.

3. By way of rendering administrative assistance or quasi-administrative support eg joining in registering voters, accreditation of voters or counting of votes.

4. By way of voting in elections 5. By way of giving security protection and/or cover to sensitive election materials or providing security against violence or sundry electoral misdemeanors like ballot box snatching or rascally or untoward conduct before, during or after the elections.

It is clear that with regards to the present involvement of the military in Nigerian

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Time limit for election petition resolution, — Page 37 a challenge — Yusuf

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The Constitution and the deployment of our Armed Forces during elections Continues from page 34 powers is subject to conditions laid down by the National Assembly.

Furthermore, the power to deploy troops to suppress an insurrection is exactly that; suppressing insurrection, not deployment for election duties.

To summarize what I have stated so far, whilst the President is free to deploy our Armed Forces to defend our country against aggression and to maintain our territorial integrity, without control, he can only deploy them against insurrection and other internal armed conflicts under the guidance and control of National Assembly, through an Act of the latter.

Section 218 is not an independent provision.

The recent pronouncements of our Courts that the use of troops for electoral purposes is illegal and unconstitutional is not new.

This issue came up in the election petitions and judgments of the 2003 elections and such deployment for direct election duties was declared illegal and unconstitutional.

Constitutional authority In Buhari v. Obasanjo [2005] 2 NWLR (Pt. 910) 24, at 520 – 521, Nsofor, JCA, stated as follows: “Evidence is galore which I accepted that the 1st respondent [President Obasanjo] as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria called out the military and the mobile policemen armed, to almost every Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom (See D.W.4). In Benue, see D.W. 72 (Colonel Emmanuel Clement Samuel Ifon), and in Enugu State, Ebonyi, indeed in each of the States above enumerated. And there was no state of war in any of those States, no emergency declared therein. On the other hand there was peace and calm and tranquility.

And I ask this: Had he, 1st respondent, the constitutional authority so to do where there was peace and calm during the election? See section 217 and

EDITORIAL TEAM Innocent Anaba ( Head) Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri Dayo Benson (Supervising Editor) 08056180119 dayobenson@yahoo.com

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Military In Nigerian elections — The Legal Issues By Ikechukwu Ikeji Continues from page 34

Prof. Sagay 218 of the Constitution, 1999.

Based on the evidence on both sides, I am satisfied that the 1st respondent had no such constitutional authority so to do.

The deployment of the military and police was therefore unconstitutional.

There was evidence overwhelmingly that the soldiers illegally deployed before the presidential election in the States shot and killed several innocent Nigerians e.g. in Bayelsa State, in Akwa Ibom; injured so many in Igbo-Eze North L.G.A. of Enugu. Not one single arrest was made.

No police investigation. Why? The principle applicable is: Qui peccat per alium, peccat per se.

I am satisfied based on the evidence from these States that the soldiers and police were called in crisis-free, peaceful and calm States of Nigeria before the 19/04/2003 presidential election to intimidate and harass the electorate.”

It is important to stress that in coming to the conclusion that the deployment of troops to election venues was illegal and constitutional, the honourable Justice of the Court of Appeal, expressly took the provisions of Section 218 of the Constitution into consideration.

This should put an end to the deliberate confusion being injected into this debate by people who have “Ekiti” type of agenda in mind for the 2015 general elections.

elections today, nos. 1-3 are out of the question since the extant laws or conditions do not allow for them. No. 4 is clearly a fundamental right of military personnel as citizens of Nigeria to vote in elections. It is inalienable and as such, nonnegotiable. It is with regards to no. 5 that issues in contention arise.

To answer the question arising from no. 5, it is important to ask the question whether there is any legal or statutory basis for the military to be deployed to assist in the electoral process. The question is, assuming it is agreed that there is need to use the military to give security before, during or after elections in the light of exigent circumstances, can the President of Nigeria, as the Commanderin-Chief of the Nigerian armed forces, lawfully deploy military under the circumstances raised by no. 5 of the points above?

Statutory provisions To answer the above question, it is important to look at statutory provisions and juxtapose them with recent judicial pronouncements regarding the involvement of the military.

While delivering judgment upholding the election of Governor Fayose as Governor of Ekiti State, the Court of Appeal made an obiter dictum (by the way statement) pronouncement on the role of the military in the conduct of elections, saying the military ought not to have been deployed during the Ekiti governorship polls.

This is a very key judicial statement that touches squarely on prevailing arguments.

However, even though this pronouncement was not part of the main judgment, some political commentators have asked the federal government to obey it and refrain from deploying the military for the elections. In point of fact, the House of Representatives has had the discussion tabled before it for deliberation.

Barr. Ikechukwu Ikeji It must be stated outrightly that nothing in the pronouncement of the Appeal Court binds the President as to stop him from deploying the military if he so decides to. This is because the power of the President to deploy the military in specific cases is premised on constitutional and statutory provisions, which may not be removed or encumbered except by express judicial declaration to the effect that the constitutional and/or statutory provisions are null and void.

Since there is no such declaration of the provisions being null and void, it stands to reason that the provisions are still alive and breathing, and still operative.

This will augur well for those who wish to pursue further academic programmes and play a strong role in professionalising the industry

The Nigerian Constitution in Section 218 clearly empowers the President of Nigeria to deploy the military in such circumstances as he deems fit to give effect to effective security of the nation or any part thereof. The Section provides as follows: “218. (1) The powers of the President as the Commissionerin-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation shall include power to determine the operational use of the armed forces of the Federation.

(2) The powers conferred on the President by subsection (1) of this section shall include power to appoint the Chief of Defence staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff and heads of any other branches of the armed forces of the Federation as may be established by an Act of the National Assembly.

(3) The President may, by directions in writing and subject to such conditions as he think fit, delegate to any member of the armed forces of the Federation his powers relating to the operational use of the Armed Forces of the Federation.

(4) The National Assembly shall have power to make laws for the regulation of (a) the powers exercisable by the President as Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces of the Federation; and (b) the appointment, promotion and disciplinary control of members of the armed forces of the Federation.”

On its part, the Armed Forces Act makes similar provision in Section 8 as follows: “Section 8. Operational use of the Armed Forces “(1) The President shall determine the operational use of the Armed Forces, but may, under general or special directives, delegate his responsibility for the day-to-day operational use(a) of the Armed Forces, to the Chief of Defence Staff; (b) of the Army, to the Chief of Army Staff; (c) of the Navy, to the Chief of Naval Staff; and (d) of the Air Force, to the Chief of Air Staff.

36—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015 NACL holds seminar in Lagos

NBA Inaugurates Rules and Practice Committee

By Dayo Benson

N

IGERIAN Bar Association President, Mr Augustine Alegeh (SAN) has affirmed NBA’s commitment to the nation’s administration of justice system which he said must ensure prompt and effective determination of matters of litigants , judges and lawyers.

He stated this while inaugurating the NBA’s Committee on Rules and practice.

The 12-man committee which has Prof Fidelis Odita SAN, QC as its Chairman, Lagos NBA branch Chairman- Alex Mouka as secretary , is to review existing rules and practice of courts and come up with recommendations within the scope of its terms of reference .

Speaking at the event , the NBA president stated that “ our administration of justice system must ensure prompt and effective determination of matters in a manner that the interest of litigants , judges and lawyers and other users of justice system is made paramount and addressed accordingly.

In this regard, cases must be resolved timeously; the lawyers and judges must be provided with a suitable work environment with rules that make it possible to aid justice delivery system .

The citizens who interface with the judicial system must also feel satisfied with the level of service delivery” .

He added that the NBA “does not possess the legal power to determine the Rules and Practices in our courts but as a crucial part of the justice delivery system the NBA has a duty to put forward clearly its position on how best to make the system work better and also push for the implementation of its position in all our courts .

“It is on this basis that this committee has been set up with following terms of reference: To review the existing Civil and Criminal procedure Rules in Courts in Nigeria and propose all such amendments , modifications and new rules that are required to update our Rules and aid the speedy dispensation of justice .

“To review existing practices and operation of our justice delivery system and propose all such amendments, modifications and additions that are required to aid the speedy dispensation of justice . To draw up and propose modern Sentencing Guidelines for all our courts.

To draw up and propose modern Ball Guidelines for all our Courts. To draw up and propose modern practicable Guidelines for Award of costs for all our courts. To identify , recommend ,propose and/ or draw up such other Rules and practices that would aid the overall justice delivery system in Nigeria.”

A one day career development seminar organised by the Lagos Archdiocese branch of the National Association of Catholic Lawyers, NACL, in Lagos, recently.

From left: Mbanugo Udenze, Mazi OCK Unegbu, wey, Martin Ogunleye and Chukwuma Ezeala.

L - R : Simeon Nwuguru, N w i w u Ihuoma and D e p u t y Institute Secretar y, NIALS, Mrs Sena J e r r y Imaghiagbe.

Jos NBA backs Simon Lalong

By Innocent Anaba

A

HEAD of the April 11 governorship election, lawyers and members of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Jos branch, Plateau State, have thrown their weight behind their member, Mr Simon Lalong, who is running on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC. He formally informed the branch of his gubernatorial ambition, and was given a rousing standing ovation after his speech.

Lalong, a former Plateau State House of Assembly Speaker, was the branch’s Assistant Secretary. He said lawyers are the society’s leading lights, adding that he would implement his party’s laudable policies in the state.

He vowed to use his wealth of experience in governance to ensure that all segments of the society are transformed under his administration while assuring

that the masses’ welfare and youth employment would be foremost in his agenda.

The branch chairman, Mr. Ledak Dafer assured Lalong of the branch’s unflinching support.

“We have about five of them contesting and we have given all of them opportunity to address us. My expectation from them is that they will excel because they will apply the unique training of a lawyer in addressing socio-economic and political problems of the country.

“You know that the legal profession is a respectable one because it trains people in character and in learning and by the grace of God, I expect all the best from them. They should perform well like we already have templates across the country.

They had done well as lawyers, so I am sure that they will definitely perform if elected in their respective offices of aspiration,” Dafer stated.

L-R: Simeon Nwuguru, Nwiwu Ihuoma and Deputy Institute Secretary, NIALS, Mrs Sena Jerry-Imaghiagbe.

L-R: Jude Eluemunor and his w i f e , Ngozi.

Voting for candidates

My expectation from them is that they will excel because they will apply the unique training of a lawyer in addressing socio-economic and political problems of the country C M Y K

He added: “Lawyers are agents of change; we have gone around educating voters to make good use of the forthcoming elections by participating massively and voting for candidates of their choice.”

Immediate past NBA Vice-President, Mr. Steve Abar, said Plateau State was privileged to have Lalong as a governorship candidate.

According to him, “I say this because he is a quintessential leader, a gentleman per excellence, an epitome of humility, a selfless leader who cherishes the virtues of honesty, modesty, truth and genuine service.

L-R: Clifford Atekere (left) and Jeff Ekeh.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015—37

Time limit for election petition resolution, a challenge — Yusuf MR Victor Yusufu is a former law lecturer in the University of Jos. He is the national legal adviser of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview, he spoke on the PDP case involving Major General Muhammadu Buhari, the party’s numerous cases in courts and the Electoral Acts, as well as related issues.

Excerpts:

Dispute resolutions

By Dayo Benson & Bartholomew Madukwe

W

HY was PDP joined in the court case against General Buhari?

The case against Buhari, as you know, was filed by the concerned Nigerians acting under Section 31 of the Electoral act, which gives any Nigerian right to file an action, to challenge any declarations that are made by a candidate of a political party in the INEC forms, if they believe that those declarations are not correct. So PDP as a political party has not joined in the case. It is a case by concern Nigerians, who have the view that the candidate for APC had made statements in the INEC forms that were not true.

How many cases has the PDP won so far?

Generally, you find that it’s not usual for PDP as a party to file any suit in court, but in many cases what happens is that PDP is joined as a defendant, may be suits relating to the nomination process of the party or suits relating to the general elections.

Party's nomination So if you say suits that PDP has won, if you have a case involving the party by which two members of the party tussle over the party’s ticket, is an intra-party matter.

However it goes, it is still victory for the party because the tussle is for the party’s nomination and all the parties are members of the PDP. As the National Legal Adviser of the PDP, are you not bothered that the party is having too many cases in court?

No, you see the matter of litigation is part and parcel of the political process and the electoral process. Because, you see it is only natural that people who loose nominations will be aggrieved. You know it is natural and we do expect that they express or ventilate their grievances within the party. By and large, the electoral act gives all aspirants the right to challenge the nomination process, if the nomination was done in breach of the party guidelines or the electoral act or the party constitution. So its part and parcel

political aspirations of all Nigerians and the epitome of democracy in the country.

Can you say precisely how many cases PDP has in courts?

It is a difficult thing to say.

There are quite a few cases as you know that the PDP is no doubt the largest political party in the country and in Africa in terms of membership. Even within the party there will always be competition.

Victor Yusuf of the political process, we’ll sort them out.

Is the PDP not worried about the large number of its members decamping to other parties?

Well you see, PDP is a large party and it is also natural following every nomination process, the unfortunate thing is that we have members who are aggrieved, who would want to try and get nomination from other party they the loose in PDP. A few people have left the party but you’ve also gain the few people too, so it’s like more or less a give and take situation. But yes, we would rather keep our members all intact but some of these things are inevitable because they will try to seek alternative platforms to realize their political ambitions. It happens to every large party not just PDP. Some aggrieved PDP aspirant claimed that there was no party primaries and threatened to sue the party claiming N15 billion, being fees paid for their

nomination forms. What is your reaction?

The claim that there were no primaries in the PDP is not only baseless but also uncharitable.

The PDP conducted primaries before nominating candidates for all positions in the forthcoming general elections. INEC monitored the primaries upon being notified as required by the Electoral Act and the monitoring reports are available to the public.

More than this, the Nigerian Police and other Security Agencies, who also were present at the Primaries, have their reports available for public scrutiny.

The various Electoral Committees and Electoral Appeal Committees sent by the National Secretariat who considered complaints arising from the exercise have also submitted reports which are available to the public. The PDP remains the best vehicle for the realization of the

Such competitions sometimes result into conflicts and we try as a political party to apply internal remedies of dispute resolutions.

But unfortunately, sometime some aggrieved members fail to take advantage of those internal remedies and go to court. Some members take advantage of the internal remedies. Inevitably, there would be litigation, either by reason of the aggrieved members not satisfied with the outcome of the internal remedy mechanisms or members totally disregard those internal remedy mechanisms and go to court.

There are quite a number of cases and the Electoral Acts (EA) in Section 87 (10) also confers on any aspirant who participated in the primaries or political party to go to court, if he or she feels that the EA was not complied with or the guidelines of the political parties have been breached in the conduct of the election.

As a practicing lawyer do you support the abolition of the rank of SAN? I do not think that the rank of SAN should be scrapped it is important because every profession recognizes distinction.

A lawyer that has distinguished himself deserves to be conferred with the rank of SAN. Such a privilege should be conferred; I know that some people have called for the abolition of the rank of SAN because of their perception that the rules are not properly applied. For me, that is advocating for throwing away the baby with the bathwater rather let us throw the bathwater and keep the baby. It is better to sanitize the process if there is any imperfection rather than abolish the rank.

What is your reaction to the recent judgment of the Supreme

Court, in the appeal filed by Dr. Ardo Umar challenging the eligibility of President Jonathan to contest in the Presidential Elecation?

Dr. Umar Ardo had brought an application for leave to appeal as an interested party against the decision of Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi of the FCT High court in the suit brought by Cyracus Njoku against Mr. President, PDP and INEC. That application he brought before the Court of Appeal , the Court saw that the application was incompetent and without merit hence it was struck out. Dr. Ardo did not have any interest in the matter. The judgment of the high court did not affect any of his rights, he did not show what he suffered so the Court of Appeal dismissed his application and he brought an appeal to the Supreme Court and the apex court also saw that the Court of Appeal was right and that his first prayer in his application at the Appeal Court was not the prayer that he should have asked for.

Leave to appeal That therefore made his application incompetent. Again on the merit he did not have an interest in the matter and therefore not necessary to be made a party and to be granted leave to appeal.

I salute the decision of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court in that matter. Yes, in the light that he didn’t have any interest in the appeal at the Appeal Court. He was appropriately described as a busybody.

What do you think are some of the defects in the Electoral Acts 2010 that need to be amended?

The area of challenge to me is the time limit prescribed for determination of election petitions. I am quiet conscious of the fact that we all want the petitions to be heard and determined quickly but unfortunately in practice it seems everybody who loses election want to go to the Tribunal. The Tribunal is manned by human beings and in a bid to rush to get to a decision before the end of the time fixed to determine those petitions, justice can be hastily be carried out and that is not good justice.

Why National Conference failed — Agbakoba

By Bartholomew Madukwe

The area of challenge to me is the time limit prescribed for determination of election petitions

F

ORMER president of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Dr.Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) has said that the National Conference failed because it was hijacked by people with ethnic political philosophy that upholds liberty as its principal objective.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos, Agbakoba explained that the National Conference failed

to inspire an intellectual arm that ought to have driven the process of creating a workable framework for a national order.

He said: “The National Conference which was delivered under the watch of President Goodluck Jonathan, though commendable as perhaps the first major opportunity for creating a workable framework for a national order, failed because the conference was hijacked by ethnic libertarians.

“The conference was too unwidely; many participants came to the roundtable, inflamed with preconceived ideas. Also, the conference failed to galvanize an intellectual arm that ought to have driven the process.”

Agbakoba, who was a delegate to the conference, further said it was lamentable that with 492 participants, the core issue of the country’s national existence was not resolved.

38—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

Map of Ebonyi State

Rescheduled NLC polls:

Tribal, ethnic sentiments tear NLC apart •General Secretary accused of partisanship

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

B

ARELY one week to the March 12 rescheduled election of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, tribal and ethnic sentiments have torn Congress apart, as some of the affiliates and state councils have alleged that the processes leading to the election have been tailored towards ensuring that the president and key officers emerge from the North.

As part of the processes, unions such as Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, with 527 delegates and Nigeria Civil Service Union, NCSU, with not less than 300 delegates to conference were alleged to have picked over 90 percent of delegates from the North. It was alleged that while Kano has close to 60 delegates, Lagos, Oyo, South-East and South-South states were given one each. In the same vein, NCSU has no delegate from Kwara, Plateau and most states in the South.

While the president of MHWUN is contesting for the president of NLC, the president of NCSU is contesting for deputy president. Similarly, the general secretary, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, has been accused of a hidden agenda and favouritism. He is also accused of failure to abide with NLC rules and guidelines which led to the reopening of nomination on the floor of conference-in-session after the Credentials Committee had finished its work.

Conference in session Speaking on the processes being skewed towards favouring northerners, chairman, Kwara State Chapter of NLC, Alhaji Umar Faruk Akanbi, told Vanguard that it was unfortunate for the movement, lamenting that some of the labour leaders were behaving like tribalistic politicians by projecting ethnic tendencies ahead of the rescheduled election.

He alleged that 90 percent of delegates of the MHWUN to the Conference were from the North, a situation, he said, was not a fair representation of the union in the country. According to him, while only one delegate each was taken from Lagos and Oyo, Kano alone has about 60 delegates.

Similarly, he claimed NCSU delegates to the Conference had

about 90 percent northerners with the exception of Kwara which is without a single delegate, noting that such was not the spirit of the labour movement founding fathers.

Akanbi said, “If northerners are bringing the larger majority of the delegates from the North, it will spell doom for the Labour Movement and we may not be in a position to correct Nigerian political class if we are emphasizing tribalism. It is obvious that the rescheduled election is tailored towards favouring a particular candidate who is from the North.

Equal representation Nigeria Labour Congress is a pan-Nigerian organization where all sections of Nigeria must be given equal representation; where all part of Nigeria must be equally recognized because whoever emerges as the president of the Congress, represents the entire Nigeria workers.

"Therefore, I do not subscribe to a situation where a particular section of the country is dominating the delegates. So, some of us are of the view that we should have an organization that is Nigerian in outlook. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Abdulwaheed Omar were elected by the entire Nigerian workers. So what we are doing presently is a dangerous “trend”.

Lagos NLC faults MHWUN, NCSU: On its part, Lagos State

This issue of bringing delegates from a section of the country is alien to the movement. We did not screen the delegates. It is very sad

Isa Aremu of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN (m) with other comrades briefing newsmen on the state of the NLC election in Kaduna. Pic: Olu Ajayi council of NLC in a statement by its Secretary, John Odigie, lamented the lopsided selection of delegates by some unions to the conference in Abuja. It said in a statement:“the selections were brazenly carried out on tribal lines, by some unions whose presidents hailed from the northern part of the country, a system very alien to the practice of trade unionism even by our founding fathers during the colonial rule. The Lagos State Council of NLC, having witnessed this abuse of electoral process and victimization of unions members from MHWUN led by Comrade Ayuba Waba and the NCSU led by Comrade Kiri Mohammed vehemently wish to condemn in strong term the ethnic colourations foisted on democratic process which NLC is not known for.

Very robust union “We see this as an affront, that one delegate was selected by Comrade Ayuba of MHWUN from Lagos State Council of the union which contribute the highest and very robust union dues to the coffer of the union.

Comrade Kiri Mohammed of National Civil Service Union flagrantly denied all members of the union in Lagos State the voting right at the election by failing to pick one delegate at all.

We condemn this unwholesome attempt to disfranchise Lagos State members of these unions and indeed some other unions who also indulge in this shameful act of manipulations, uncanny Labour practice, sheer desperation for power and abuse of union’s constitutions.

"We call on all comrades and leaders of good conscience to rally support for the success and growth of NLC in the forthcoming election. This is a democratic duty call for all of us as comrade that one united Labour family is achievable with our collective struggles, as we work together in our determined quest to liberate workers, protect and defend our trade union."

Efforts to speak with, MWUN,

NSCU: Efforts to speak with leaders of both MHWUN and NCSU on the delegations proved abortive. Several calls to the general secretary of MHWUN and president of NCSU were unanswered. Though on one occasion, the president of NCSU, picked his call, but refused to speak to the caller. Even the text message sent to his mobile was not responded to at the time of this report.

Textile union accuses NLC scribe of partisanship: In another development, National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, has accused NLC General Secretary, of actions suggestive of partisanship ahead of rescheduled election. General Secretary of the union and a contestant to the post of deputy president, Issa Aremu, in a statement said though the union was committed to ensuring the success of the rescheduled election, some of the rules and guidelines to the elections were already being breached by the General Secretary.

Level playing field According to him, “We are committed to make sure the new date of March 12, 2015 is a reality. However, if we must ensure a successful election and avoid the crisis that marred the previous election, basic rules and practices guiding elections must be strictly followed. There must be fairness and level playing field for all contestants. We call on the NLC General Secretary to make sure the new election is not marred with the mistake of the past so that we can have a free and fair election.

Danger looms: “We raise this point against the background of our observation from the new list of contestants circulated to all industrial unions by the general secretary of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Dr. Peter OzoEson. The list of contestants did not follow alphabetical order even when the general secretary clearly stated in the letter dated February 26, 2015 to all the

unions that accreditation of delegates will be based on alphabetical order. The contestants’ names were listed in a way that it suggests partisanship. It will be recalled that our union was the first, prior to the botched NLC Delegates Conference to raise the danger of possible crisis if basic rules and practices of NLC guiding elections are not followed. We were vindicated through the avoidable crisis that marred that election.

“We hereby demand that the circulated list of contestants should be withdrawn and a fresh list of contestants arranged in alphabetical order be reissued to all affiliate unions by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). This should also reflect in the ballot papers.

Basic rules and practices The NLC General Secretary should stop turning Comrades against Comrades. There should be strict application of basic rules and practices to avoid the ugly experience of the recent past.”

General Secretary's response: On the issue of unions bringing majority of their delegates from a section of the country, Dr. OzoEson said the NLC constitution provided that the secretariat allocate delegates to unions and it was properly done, saying, however, that the secretariat did not screen the delegates to know where they came from. He said, “this issue of bringing delegates from a section of the country is alien to the movement. We did not screen the delegates. It is very sad. It is only the affected unions that can best explain the rationale behind it. It is sad and alien to the movement.”

On the allegation by the NUTGTWN, he said no list of the candidates had been released to the public by that the secretariat, but that the secretariat only sent list of contestants to the unions that had candidates to the election, saying “the ballot papers are going to be arranged in alphabetical order. It has nothing to with list of contestants.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

— 39

Chief Beatrice Okechukwu, purposeful woman leader Map of Ebonyi State

T

HESE are no ordinary times in Ebonyi State. They are certainly the kind of times Achebe noted in his Things Fall Apart as trying the soul of men. Beneficiaries are destroying benefactors; children are desecrating their heritage; lawmakers are breaking the law while law enforcers are entrenching anarchy, all with brazen impunity and a devil may care attitude. The dance of the macabre with pulsating angels from hell, men without a thought for tomorrow armed with mercantile pots of deadly porridge with alluring lyrics of doom, is playing on the Ebonyi stage with a soulless crew watching in enthralled glee as their kith and kin are consumed in their well orchestrated play of death.

When did this peaceful land of enterprise turn to this theatre of the absurd? Why did this haven of joyful coexistence turn into a pot of soured soup overnight? How did the land of conscience become a land of men without ears? The falcon surely cannot hear the falconer, not any longer. So, have things fallen apart? Just about.

The desecration of Ebonyi, as it should be known, started sometime in early November 2014 when the national body of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party looked the other way and allowed the will of the majority of its members to be wished away to the benefit of the minority who were, of course, very big men though.

Merciless cabal The governor was humiliated and denigrated chiefly by those who became what they are by the benevolence of the man. They ganged up and became ready tools in the hand of a merciless cabal who had one grouse or the other against the governor. They told all who cared to listen that the man was not on ground and had no serious control of the party.

Mind boggling sums of money were said to have changed hands to get spurious judgements and funny decisions against the governor and his teeming supporters while the state watched in disbelief. Most unbelievable too was the fact that the governor will meet face to face with the president, get firm assurances on the issues on hand but the reverse will be the case the very next day. What was really wrong? Where did the grand old man go wrong? Could it be that his overbearing support for the president was being taken for granted?

Or could it be that the president had been convinced by the governor’s traducers that they were actually the ones in charge of the grassroots?

The last poser seems to be the situation as it is the one most likely to interest a politician and a contesting one at that. So the governor and his supporters were thrown overboard and thoroughly disgraced in tow.

Even the choice of the erudite Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, erstwhile health minister, which had excited the polity, was rubbished on the altar of mercantile brigandage without a care for the majority of the people who knew their state and knew C M Y K

the kind of people with the right kind of disposition to govern them.

The atmosphere was thus ripe for the injured majority to seek their destiny elsewhere; it was definitely time to move on. And move on they did. To Labour Party.

The growth of that movement, which will be subject for another discourse in future, have been so phenomenal that it certainly must qualify as the fastest growing political movement in recent times. Even the proponents of the party are baffled at the level of acceptance as communities openly competed for the first place in terms of large turnout at political events. Very unfortunately, this turn of events is now the new weapon of mass destruction in hands of the governor’s traducers.

The same people who claimed the governor was unpopular are now crying that they cannot win their election if the governor remains in power during the elections. Do you beat a child and ask him not to cry?

Yet, the fact that the governor rides all the insults stoically seems to embolden his traducers to try more ploys to hurt and further humiliate him. The same cabal who claimed to have Ebonyi in their palm have woken up to the rude reality that the tea party was over. And that is the crux of the debacle that is fast destroying the fabrics of the young agrarian state. It would seem that an operation impeach the governor at all cost has been launched.

The dailies reported penultimate week that the president declined a plea to impeach Governor Elechi and rather advised reconciliation. But just like the post first November saga, deaf ears seems to have greeted the president’s counsel. On return from the Abuja meeting, the factionalised House of Assembly announced the declaration of the seats of four of her members vacant for defecting to the Labour Party. This was without prejudice to the fact that over half of the house was involved in such defections to different parties.

However, the action was a self-destruct as the house which has the minimal requirement of a house of assembly membership became depleted below the minimum number prescribed by law to form a house of assembly. Yet, the impunity encouraged by their Abuja backers saw the house still sitting in defiance of pending court cases on the issue. Meanwhile, evidence that the plot was hatched ‘above’ became glaring last week as two national officers of the ruling party, one from Rivers State and another from Anambra State embarked on a

As I cry for the desecration of my beloved state, I could not stop wondering why such fate should befall my tiny unobtrusive state

By Uche Umeh

L

A tear for Ebonyi

By Chooks Oko

TRIBUTE

Gov Martins Elechi recruitment drive to get more members of the house to endorse impeachment moves against the governor. The lawmakers were asked to send account numbers, promised a meeting with the national chairman and a good life.

Meanwhile, the house has asked the governor to come and defend himself on some allegations brought before it by o private legal practitioner purportedly acting for a faceless group.

As that was going on, another group petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged financial wrong doings of the leadership of the house.

Counter accusations The next thing is that the accounts department of the house went up in flames. Expectedly, accusations and counter accusations have rent the air with the All Progressives Congress accusing the leadership of the house of complicity in the matter. The only reaction the house could muster to declare two more seats, of their members, vacant.

In all these, the police remain indifferent acting only when the traducers of the governor want them to. This and the fact that the commissioner of police in the state was not redeployed with others suggest that the man might be on a mission as he is said to be ignoring agreements reached with the state governor. The situation is so tense that residents wonder if it is the same peaceful haven they once knew. They wonder at the manner of politics that is totally alien to the environment that is being played now. They wonder how the paltry allocation the state gets will pay off the unprecedented volume of funds being deployed by politicians in the state this time around. They wonder, wonder, and wonder...

As I cry for the desecration of my beloved state, I could not stop wondering why such fate should befall my tiny unobtrusive state. We do not have oil like Rivers, neither do we have plenty internally generated revenue like Lagos; so, why the unusual interest? I quickly remind myself that we had travelled this road before.

Between 2001-2003, Ebonyi once had a very big man with a very big office in Abuja. The state boiled over and several lives were even lost. It dawns on me that the same big man is occupying another big office in Abuja.

Maybe, just maybe, it is the way of big men not to have peace in their states when they occupy big offices far from home. I cry for my beloved Ebonyi.

‘Oko, Editor-in-Chief of Clarion Africa, wrote from Abakiliki.’

ADY Beatrice Okechukwu was born to a renowned Catholic family Udegbo of Oyobo Ngene Ugbo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State in January 1924. This was a time the missionaries were trying to spread the gospel through the Reverend Priests that came predominantly from Ireland. At that time there were few educational opportunities but the young Beatrice managed to trek with her mates miles every day to attend the nearest primary school located at Ugbonabo.

It was in the course of her determination to carve a niche for herself that she caught the attention of Chief Augustine Okechukwu who was then a young teacher. Due to her diligent nature and like most young women in those days her parents gave her out in marriage very early in life to the young teacher and immediately she was sent to Achi for training as a seamstress. After her training she came back fully matured to face family life. The husband who was a teacher took her to various towns where he was posted, such as Nenwe, Oduma, Ihe, Owelli Court, Ogbaku. During this period she combined her job with taking care of her seven children who grew up in these towns where the husband worked. No wonder today one of Ezinne’s son, Hon Toby Okechukwu, who represents Aninri Awgu and Oji River Federal House of Assembly is at home with people he represents because as a teenager he lived in many of these towns that make up the constituency. In the words of Hon. Toby Okechukwu, Mama was a virtuous woman who knew how to take care of her children and other families children who were often sent to her for good upbringing and she never failed to live up to expectation. She raised all her children and other children in the fear of God as a devoted Catholic until she passed on.

Committed Catholic On her Christina life Ezinne was a committed Catholic who participated actively in the church activities that led to her being honoured with the Ezinne title by St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Ugbo. Her marriage was a reference point for couples as the marriage was spirit filled, dedicated.

Her dedication to Christian Womens Organization was such that due to her humble disposition and accountability she was elected as the treasurer of her church a position she held for so many years. Even when age caught up with her, she was still being consulted on every decision that had to be taken by her members. She was able to attend this height due to her intelligence, great leadership ability of patience, tolerance, self control and empathy. Ezinne was so concerned about the church activity that there was this story about what happened some years ago, when Ezinne Beatrice saw the state of the St. Anthony’s Church refused the money her son Hon. Toby sent to her and on enquiry she said her desire is to see the completion of the church in her life time. The son had no choice than to agree with her and today by the grace of God the church is in good state due to Ezinne’s insistence that she will rather put her resources to building an edifying vineyard for the Lord.

One other area people had much respect for Ezinne Beatrice was in the area of education, she was such a person who would not want to hear that a brilliant person did not have the wherewithal to go to school and each time she is in a social gathering one major issue will always be on why this or that person have been denied of education.

Her philanthropy knew no bounds as she will always invite anybody she knew passing by her house which is strategically located to come in for one thing or the other.

As a woman leader she was highly committed to the upliftment of woman hood. As Ezinne bows out in glory ,we the living needs to borrow from people like her the wisdom, character and purposeful life which all people who crossed her path is attesting to. She will be solely missed.

•Engr. Umeh is of the Umeh Civil Engineering Services Ltd

40— 40—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

VAPP Bill: When women make up their mind

By Emmanuel Ugorji

S

ENATE hearing room 022 was filled to the brim and even had an overflow with a crowd of men, women and youths positioning themselves at its passage and corridor for the public hearing on Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Bill which was conducted on March 2, 2015.

The VAPP bill aims at eliminating all forms of violence in private and public life while at the same time seeks to prohibit the different types of violence including physical, sexual, psychological, domestic, harmful traditional practices and discrimination against persons. It provides maximum protection and effective remedies for offenders commensurate with offences committed.

Unprecedented turnout

It was an unprecedented turn out for a bill which has been with the National Assembly for 13 years. It was receiving what the women described as “the last, but determined push for its passage''.

What started as a very frustrating day with Security men initially denying the women access into the National Assembly due to power failure in the hearing room ended in style and grace.Different women groups started arriving for the event as early as 8.30 am, an hour and half earlier than the time fixed for the commencement of the public hearing.

• Prof. Joy Ezeilo of Women Aid Collective,WACOL, with a placard during the hearing on the VAPP bill at The Senate on Monday One outstanding quality among the respective women groups is that they were never frustrated by the challenges they encountered in gaining access to the National Assembly complex. Each challenge was met with an appropriate determination and doggedness reminiscent of women when they make up their mind to fight a course.

Even after gaining access, the women were not deterred by another challenge which involved moving from one hall to the other as organizers of the public hear-

ing struggled to overcome the unforeseen challenges that almost threw spanners into their effort to conduct the public hearing.

A particular woman who came in crutches did all the walking, sweating, panting and waiting that characterised the list of challenges that marked the day. Others who felt tired during the waiting game, sat on the bare floor patiently In a show of solidarity for an effort to make the lives of Nigerian women better.

At the hall, the space was not enough to accommodate the over 700 persons, includ-

ing over 600 women, who had gathered for the event.

Power outage

Earlier, while waiting for power to be restored in the hearing room, some alarmists had said that the reason for the power outage was because the contractor who supply's diesel for the giant generators in the National Assembly had not been paid for a long time, just as the builders of the complex, Julius Berger construction company had stopped its maintenance services due to lack of payment.

As all these were happening, all the women kept their cool as if they knew that history will be made on that day. At long last when deliberations commenced and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Human Rights and Judiciary, Sen. Dahiru Umar assured that``the bill will be passed before the expiration of the 7th assembly'', hope started rising.

He almost received a standing ovation when he also said: “With the elections around the corner and the Easter break, we want to pass the bill. Violence is despicable, disheartening and threatens the family. Nigerians should rise against violence''.

He commended the sponsors of the bill for not giving up after several years of pushing for the bill to be passed.

When it got to the turn of Senator Ita Enang to speak, hearts skipped. Enang is one member of the committee who always expressed reservations about passing the VAPP bill. It was surprising to hear him say he is shifting his position and that the bill will be passed on moral grounds. To many, this is the best comment of the hearing.

To be concluded.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

I

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I can imagine how embarrassed and heartbroken you must be to see him that way and clearly, this will likely spell the end of your marriage. I suggest having a chat with him to discuss your future. He is what he is and from your reaction, I don’t think you want to be married to a man who believes he is a woman.

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015—41

The battle for Ogun THE fusion in late 2010 of the former All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP and the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN in Ogun State was a necessary evil programmed to thwart the plot by then outgoing governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel to perpetuate his legacy through the now moribund Peoples Party of Nigeria, PPN. It was, however, a marriage many predicted would end in a quick divorce. Even before the cutting of the cake, acrimony broke out between leaders of the former ACN and the new governor of the state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. For about three years, leaders of the party led by Aremo Segun Osoba sought to paper over the cracks as the two tendencies in the party severally quarrelled over issues of party and state policy. The ACN which was widely regarded for the fidelity of its members to party supremacy became news item in Ogun State on account of recurring disputes arising from the unwillingness of political office holders to adhere to the dictates of the party. Now and then intraparty arguments turned into bloody conflicts as the party members sought for supremacy.

The transformation of the ACN into the All Progressives Congress, APC did not

Advertising guru turned politician, Senator Akin Odunsi is the SDP governorship candidate for Ogun State. He is presently the senator representing the Ogun West Senatorial district. Excerpts:

By Dapo Akinrefon, Charles Kumolu and Gbenga Oke

H

OW strong is SDP in Ogun State?

I think you should begin to ask yourself if a governor who came to power on the back of the senators and suddenly without any of the senators. I think people should ask questions. Are all the three senators so bad? Or is there something wrong.

If you look deep down, I am sure you will find answers. Let me use this opportunity to tell you that it is not only the three senators that are locked up in battle with the current governor. Five out of the nine House of Representatives members who were elected on the platform of the APC and who the current governor has said they have no electoral value are also with us.

We are fighting Amosun on behalf of the people —Odunsi, SDP gov candidate he ensured that the Ogun West was totally marginalized in the appointments he made, in the dividends of democracy. In fact, as I speak to you, I want to challenge the governor to show me one project that he executed in Ogun West, that he executed fully. I want to assure you that those of us in SDP are very confident and Governor Amosun should just be counting days. If I were in his shoes reading the tide of the moment, I would begin to count my days because he is not going back there.

Who is SDP voting for at the Presidential level?

We are voting for ourselves. We don't have a candidate, but we will vote SDP all the way.

Are you not fighting the governor because of his inability to settle you personally?

No. If we were interested in ourselves alone, we would not have gotten to where we are to-

Electoral value I want to assure you that we in the SDP are very confident, we are closer to the people, and we know how we got in there in the first place. For instance, I won my election as a senator in a place where don't want to hear you are not from Yewa/Awori extraction and I had to go round the whole of Ogun West convincing my people to deliver the votes to the Governor. I told my people that when he becomes Governor, he will not forget Ogun West in a hurry.

But lo and behold, hardly had he arrived Government House,

help matters. Rather than cooling tempers, the transmutation quickly became a catalyst for the eventual breakup of the party in the state. In the end, the incumbent deputy governor of the state, Prince Segun Adesegun, all three senators and five of the nine members of the House of Representatives elected on the platform of the party separated from the party to revive the Social Democratic Party, SDP. Remarkably, the new SDP is a reinvention of the same party through which the revered leader of the new tendency, Aremo Osoba first governed the state between 1992 and 1993. Ahead of the forthcoming general elections, the leaders of the uprising led by the state party chairman, Chief Olu Agemo, the incumbent deputy governor, all three incumbent senators and a host of party bigwigs called on Vanguard Headquarters during which they interacted with Vanguard editors.

The men during their visit gave their own narration of how they incubated Amosun’s governorship aspiration to fruition, the genesis of the crisis after the emergence of the new government, the velvet divorce with the governor and their plans to uproot him from office.

I want to assure you that those of us in SDP are very confident and Governor Amosun should just be counting days

•Odunsi: We in the SDP are very confident day. No. It is an issue of our party men, our followers because, at a stage, they tried to attract us back saying we should come back, our tickets will be given to us. Who is going to give me my ticket?

Is it the governor? He is also fighting for his own ticket even though he has organized all types of endorsements package even before the primaries. We are not doing what we are doing because of ourselves, no.

We are fighting the cause of the people, the cause of a common man, we are fighting for equity and fighting to ensure that governance is fair to all and that Ogun State is governed properly. It is not because of our own

interest.

Governor Amosun has alleged that he does not have any problems with Aremo Osoba but with the three senators and particularly Senator Kaka who did not want to go through primaries. It is alleged that you people denied his people opportunities to contest in 2011 and now he wants them to vie with you?

To say we were not ready to go for the primaries is a lie. Nothing can be farther than the truth.

Let me explain something that happened. We were all in ACN, when we went into a merger arrangement with ANPP, CPC, and part of APGA, we were excited about the prospects that we were now going to have a truly virile

democratically run party, not a one man show that ACN was fast becoming.

So we embraced the idea of APC, and we then look forward to registration of new members and the congresses that will happen.

Lo and behold, at the point of even registration, we began to see signs and evidence that our governor had some ulterior motives to ensure that many of our members do not get properly registered into the new APC. It did not bother us because we knew unless he was going to import people from heaven or invite people from space, members who may register even under APC Continues on page 42

42—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

Why we abandoned Amosun — Adesegun, Deputy Gov CHIEF Segun Adesegun, the deputy governor of Ogun State gives reasons why he and others left his principal behind in the APC.

By Dapo Akinrefon, Charles Kumolu and Gbenga Oke

I

HAPPENED to have been the National Youth Leader for like eight years before I was elevated to be the deputy national treasurer of the Action Congress of Nigeria. So I was in a position to know everything that took place before Senator Amosun got into power. It was not that he was invited into the party, he appealed through different sources and all the meetings to ensure that he became governor were held in my house at Ogudu.

As at that time, we had 11 members of ACN contesting governorship and Senator Obadara was one of them but because of our enthusiasm in the belief that using him will be more strategic and the fact that two of our leaders actually appealed that with some outsiders coming in, doing that will be very strategic.

And actually, all the candidates that stepped down for him, we tried to make sure they got one or two things before we could sail through his own candidature. But a lot of outsiders have this impression that he made us when actually it is the other way round.

Comparable analysis The impression he was giving that he has won election and they rigged him out, the truth is that it was all propaganda.

He contested in 2007 and he told the public that he won.

Here is a man who claimed he won but had no one honorable, he did not win a simple councillor ship and he said he won the governorship. I am just using that as a comparable analysis for people to know that the idea that he has won before actually did not take place.

In my own local government which is Ijebu North where Senator Kaka also comes from, in 2007, the party that Amosun was in then, ANPP, had only 480 votes. When we joined and asked him to be our gubernatorial candidate, we now moved to 23,000 votes.

This actually shows you how we gave him the votes and that is the truth. And we provided him our own infrastructure, our own party agents and others.

We have been there from

during the SDP, and SDP was not just by mere circumstances, it is an offshoot of Bisi Onabanjo handing over to Chief Olusegun Osoba, and it was the same party that became Alliance for Democracy, (AD).

So we had our structures well on ground in the 236 wards of Ogun State and we provided him that structure, all the presiding officers and party agents are our men. The truth

The structure itself is most undemocratic, he does not allow fair play and commissioners were not properly distributed

•Adesegun: Amosun does not allow fair play was that when he now became Governor, not a single one of them were given any position, he was giving his own ANPP. What we have done so far is to withdraw our own carpet from the former ACN, so we have removed all our men.

You may find one or two with

him but I can tell you we have removed about 95 percent of our men but when politicians go around carrying a lot of crowd, it gives the impression that he is acceptable everywhere but it is when the elections come that we will know who is on ground.

Asides that, quite a lot of policies of the government are anti democratic, and if we had continued, we would have lost elections with him all together.

I want to give an example.

When Bisi Onabanjo was governor of Ogun State, he chose his secretary to the government from Yewa, commissioner of works in Egba.

It was the same structure that Chief Osoba also used. Chief Osoba being an Egba person, the SSG was from Yewa, the commissioner for works was myself from Ijebu.

In the coming of this Amosun government, the governor is from Central, the SSG is from Central, the commissioner for works is from Central, commissioner for finance, he mixed partly because of marriage, he has the Odeda connection.

So the structure itself is most undemocratic, he does not allow fair play and commissioners were not properly distributed.

All these were part of the issues we think does not project fairness in any democratic setting. These are factors that were on ground before our final break away. So people need to know, anywhere the governor is, there is always a crowd, so the fact that crowd is following you everywhere does not necessarily mean you are on ground.

Our liberation strategies in Ogun — Odunsi Continues from page 41 are our men because we had control over them. So we went through the registration through its flaws and when it came to congresses, that's where the departure started; because many of the people who are feeding fat on the government, in their own wards, they knew they could not win to become delegates. So, what did they do?

They separated meetings to ensure they broke the meetings into camps, so they had the SIA group and the authentic APC group, because if they went to the consolidated ward meetings, many of them would not get delegates from the elections.

Specified guidelines When we got guidelines from the party, the guidelines specified that to take part in the congresses and for you to contest, you must pay a prescribed fee at some designated banks and come with your teller.

The chairman of the party then, Chief Akande made a statement that was carried in the newspapers that because ‘we know some party leaders may prevent you from getting forms, once you are in possession of your tellers, you

are free to contest any position in the party.’ At the first ward congresses, where were the SIA supporters? They disappeared.

They went to their homes and wrote names for the offices and what happened? The governor accepted it. We then protested and the national body sent a team to come and investigate.

The team that came was assaulted by a leading member of the governor’s cabinet, that even the people that came to investigate scampered for safety because the thing became very violent. Now from then, all other congresses were paralleled from the ward to the local government and state congresses.

When all that was done, we did everything possible to ensure that the national body reconciled

everything but we were not going to get anything from them.

So to say that we ran away because we didn't want to face primaries, nothing can be further from the truth. We know we had control of the party but he had the machinery of support of the national leadership to muscle us and we did everything in the books to ensure that we got a fair treatment. In the end, we had to leave them with their party and came to our own SDP. Don't you think SDP should team up with another opposition party like the PDP in Ogun state to fight the incumbent?

We are progressives and the PDP is a Conservative party. So we are two different parties. We can't come together because of our ways of life because we be-

TIMELINE OF THE CRISIS June 14, 2012: Osoba reports Amosun to ACN national leaders April 3, 2013: Supporters of Osoba and Amosun clash at revalidation of party members at Ibara.

August 2013: Osoba opens parallel APC state secretariat.

Jan. 17,2014: Osoba loyalists attacked in Wasinmi April 12,2014: Parallel APC Local government congresses.

April 23,2014: Reconciliation efforts hit rock.

June 1,2014: Osoba vows never to reconcile with Amosun Dec.11,2014: SDP holds congresses, ratifies candidates for 2015 poll.

Jan.15, 2015: Osoba flags off SDP in Ogun

lieve in serious democratic values, so we cannot come together as a party. In our own party, the door is open for everybody, you contest for primaries whereas in PDP, they pick candidates.

There are about four different factions in the Ogun PDP today, where do you want us to belong?

So we cannot be with them. Only those who believe they can work with the progressives that can come to us. Our ideology is quite different because we want to practice real democracy in SDP and that's what we are doing.

So there is no autocracy like you have in APC or PDP leadership.

So we are putting all our cards on the table as a party.

For those of us who are keen watchers of politics in Ogun State today, we know that truly speaking the next governorship election is between APC and SDP. As far as PDP is concerned, they have their own issues which have become some point of benefit to us in SDP. We have received so many defectors from the PDP. Even if we want to merge with the PDP, I don't know which faction we will be talking about now.

Our doors are widely open in SDP and we have been receiving many of those who have left PDP and in the same vein, we are receiving the APC fold.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015—43

Why Ogun people're punishing Amosun today — Sen Obadara SENATOR Gbenga Obadara, representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, represents the governor’s constituency in the Senate. He in this interview responds to several issues concerning the state and assertions that the governor has been favouring his constituency with projects and appointments. Excerpts:

By Charles Kumolu and Gbenga Oke

Y

OU are representing a constituency that was represented by Sen Ibikunle Amosun and Sen Iyabo Obasanjo in the past, what was the situation you met on ground?

No senator has equalled what I am doing there. Before October last year, I had executed about 133 projects. I have a minimum of five classrooms built in every local government. I also constructed community centres.

In addition, I gave out about 100 transformers to my constituency.

There was also empowerment programmes for my constituents.

I am a dedicated democrat, who has the interest of the people at heart. I will continue to serve them because I have the passion for doing that.

Your governor has been accused of favouring your senatorial district in the distribution of projects. Do you agree to that?

That is not true. All the governor does is to construct bridges. In Abeokuta, the man did nothing. Same applies to Ifo, Obafemi Owode, Ewokoro and my local government. Roads were not constructed there just as the people were sidelined in the appointment of commissioners and board membership of parastatals.

state.

Is your party into any form of agreement with some aggrieved members of the PDP? Everybody that wants good governance in Ogun State is supportive of us. They are in alliance with our clamour for good governance. The level of disaffection in the state was manifested in the defection of the three senators representing the state in the Senate.

Such development has farreaching consequences. Also, imagine the consequences of a governor losing seven House of Representatives members. As we are talking, some commissioners have resigned while about 18 House of Assembly members have defected.

The situation in Ogun implies that the governor has lost the support of critical stakeholders.

The governor is a man whose utterances are often laced with lies. He is not a team player and has a personality problem. I worked with the governor and was nearly assassinated at Ewekoro.

We knew how we got into government but, unfortunately, the governor is taking us back.

Not being a team player, led us to where we are today.

We in SDP are deeply rooted politicians, who are ready to serve the people. If we were not popular, we would not have

Selective construction The appointees are from Abeokuta North Local Government, which is the governor’s local government. His family took 43 slots out of 57 appointments.

The man has no project anywhere. The only thing I can say about him is the selective construction of roads and bridges. He neglected the education sector. Even the mega schools that he started have not been completed. The health sector in the state is also left behind.

Even now, the money being deducted from the salaries of the civil servants are not being remitted to banks. The governor claims to be generating about N6 billion monthly in addition to the federal allocation. What we have on ground cannot justify the amount of money accruable to the

The opposition against Amosun is increasing every day.

Even some who claim to be with him are not with him because they know that his ship is already sinking

•Ballot boxes on display before voting in a past election

The role of security men on election day • Obadara:

We did not collaborate with Amosun in the past garnered the kind of support base we have in the state. SDP is the party to beat in Ogun. We are ready to go into collaboration with anybody who can stop injustice and bad governance in our state.

But SDP remains independent.

Are you not afraid that any collaboration could be counter productive?

We did not collaborate with Amosun in the past. He joined us in August 2010. I was already a governorship aspirant 18 months before he joined us. Even at that, he wrote a stinker on January 21, castigating our party leaders that we have no electoral value. He is not a factual person.

The opposition against Amosun is increasing every day. Even some who claim to be with him are not with him because they know that his ship is already sinking. He contested in 2007 but did not win. In 2011, he used our structure because we thought he was a changed person. We own the structure that he used. About nine local governments in the state don’t have their indigenes as commissioners, but Abeokuta North has about nine commissioners.

Remember that he once said that he assisted in getting a family for Gbenga Daniel in Shagamu. That singular act alone is an affront on the constitution of this country. I don’t know if that was true, but he said that in my local government. What he did amounted to perjury because he lied under oath. That is why Ogun State people are punishing him today.

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

T

HE role of security men in the forthcoming election has become an issue.

Ordinarily in advanced democracies, security men are rarely seen within the precincts of the voting area and certainly do not enforce a lockdown of the town as would be expected across the country.

However, the role of security men became an issue after the elections in Ekiti State where the All Progressives Congress, APC has alleged that security men were used to reining in their officials while at the same time giving leeway to their rivals, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. It is as such not surprising that the APC has been at the forefront of pushing for the exclusion of security men from the electoral process.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has, however, restated the need for security men to provide cover for its officials and also to provide the enabling environment for the

•Abba: IGP

process from voting to collation.

However, at the polling station, even if the governor is there, INEC would recognise the presiding officer of the station as the chief security officer. All security men deployed to the polling unit would be answerable to him or her.

The security agents would: •Provide security at the polling station to ensure that accreditation, counting and collation of results are done smoothly.

•Ensure the maintenance of peace in the polling area.

•Protect electoral officers at all levels of the voting process.

•Arrest at the instruction of the presiding officer any one accused of impeding the peaceable conduct of the election or who the presiding officer reports as violating the electoral laws.

•Accompany the presiding officer, collation officer or returning officer in the discharge of their duties.

Tomorrow: How you can move from polling station to police station and prison.

44 —

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015—45

Amaechi tasks INEC on transparent polls

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT— GOVERNOR Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure that it delivers credible elections to Nigerians.

Amaechi, who spoke yesterday, when he played host to the Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dame Gecila Khan and other principal officers of the commission in the state, said that the electoral body should shun every temptation to indulge in acts of rigging.

Pledging to support the commission in areas of need, the governor said Nigerians want transparent elections on March 28 and April 11 this year.

He said: “The history of Nigeria will not be complete without INEC. The history can be positive or negative, but, it depends if officials of INEC like you are ready to write your name in gold in the book of history. We don’t want rigging and writing of election results.

Many politicians, I hear, are buying Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs. That is why

Olejeme assures on Jonathan’s re-election

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EPUTY Chairman, F i n a n c e Committee, of the Presidential Campaign Organization, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, has expressed confidence that Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, will be returned to power in the March 28 presidential election.

“PDP will have a resounding victory. That is very clear,” she told Niger Delta youths in Asaba, Delta State.

Olejeme, who sought the support of the young and old to make Nigeria great, said President Jonathan would work closely with all Nigerians.

She said: “The youths are Nigeria’s future. To this end, the PDP government will continue to spread employment opportunities across the country and ensure that all youths have access to quality education that could secure them a place in a globalized and highly competitive job market."

Nigerians are asking for change, because, Nigerians are looking up to INEC to ensure impartiality and transparent electoral process on March 28, 2015.

“Remember, those who try to stop change are usually consumed by change itself. All what Nigerians are asking for is a transparent process,

especially, if the card readers you introduce will work without manipulation, it means, you are beginning to transform the process to allow Nigerians choose their leaders without rigging.

“Nigerians are yearning for good leadership and your responsibility is to promote that good leadership,

because, everybody will account for his or her actions.

There is hunger and poverty on the streets and we cannot allow politicians to continue to cart away what belongs to our people.

“We are calling on INEC to allow us to choose our leaders, and I am sure, if INEC succeeds, we will choose good leaders.”

LAUNCH: From left: Chief Wale Olanipekun (SAN); Mr. Ernest Nwapa, Secretary, Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board; Chief Oransanya, MD, First Bank Plc and Dr. Vincent Ebuh, Chairman, Petrolog Group, at the launch of the brand new Petrolog's DP2 Saturation Diving Vessel, DSV VINNICE, at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Group slams Shell over poor oil spill response in Bayelsa

By Samuel Oyadongha

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E N A G O A — ENVIRON-MENTAL Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria, ERA/FoEN, has slammed Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, for its poor response to the oil leak within its oil fields in Bayelsa State.

ERA/FoEN, an environmental rights group in its field report on the incident regretted that Shell was yet to take steps to stop the leak from its Seibou

Deep facility and save the environment from further despoliation.

The leak, it was learned, was noticed sometime in January and has been discharging crude into Ogboinbiri River in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state till date.

According to the field report

by Mr Alagoa Morris, Head of Field operations, ERA/FoEN in Yenagoa, the spill site has remained unattended to since

January 2015.

The group observed that ‘booms,’ plastic materials used to contain flow of oil on water surface by officials of SPDC had failed to trap the oil as it leaked into the flowing water.

“The movement of canoes in and out of the canal that caused the booms placed by Shell to contain the spill has failed. The booms were tied across the canal. It was confirmed at Ogboinbiri that the spill had occurred for almost two months now, but only contained on the canal with booms,” ERA said.

N-Delta youths drum up support for Jonathan

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—YOUTHS from the Niger Delta region, under the aegis of Niger Delta Youth Council, yesterday, called on well meaning Nigerians to support the second term bid of President Goodluck Jonathan to enable him complete the good works he has started.

The youths, in a statement at the end of their meeting in Owerri, Imo State, said that President Jonathan was the only man that could bring about the desired change Nigerians were yearning for.

The statement by the President of the group, Mr Christopher Bakporhe, said: “We thank Dr

Austine Izagbo, Mrs I.B Ekpe, Mr Donatus Uzoagbado, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, Mr Austine Ayemidejor, Chief Olori Magege, Chief Patrick Okitiakpe, Chief Sunday

Agbugbu, Mr Paul Umunna, Mr Ned Nwoko, Mr Jude Imagwe, Mr Paul Ogbe, Chief J Oguma, Mr Judge Iyang and many others for the support they are giving to President Jonathan.”

Ndokwa youths endorse Enumah for DTHA

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ONCERNED Ndokwa Youths have endorsed Mr. Enus Enumah of the Labour Party, LP, to represent Ndokwa East constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly as well as Chief Great Ogboru, the party's gubernatorial candidate, in the April 11 election.

A statement by their spokesperson, Fred

Agbanachi, said the decision to endorse the duo was unanimous and called on the people of Ndokwa nation “to embrace this great opportunity of the choice of our sons, Chief Ogboru and Enus Enumah in the April 11 election for total change for the people of Ndokwa East and Delta State in general desire.”

PDP Nat'l Vice-Chair blasts nonperforming governors

By Tom Moses

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YO—NATIONAL Vice-Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Kairo Ojuogbo, yesterday, attributed the allegations against the party to those he described as non-performing governors on the party’s platform.

Ojuogbo expressed the conviction that if all PDP governors were to have taken after the foot-steps of Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State and a few other PDP governors by using the resources at their disposal to address the challenges in their states, critics and the opposition political parties would have had nothing to say against the PDP, just as Nigeria would have been better developed than it is now.

Ojuogbo who doubles as the Chairman of the SouthSouth Zone of the PDP, spoke at a meeting of the South-South Zone Executive Committee of the PDP in Uyo. He stressed the need for the party to win more states for development to spread to all the states of the federation.

S-South Police pensioners commence Biometric screening in Benin

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By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN—A total of 1,216 police pensioners from Edo and other South South states commenced screening, yesterday, in Benin City, Edo State under the newly introduced Biometric Data Capture system.

The latest system which was introduced by the Federal Government is powered by Pension Transition Arrangement Directorate, PTAD, for police retirees under the Defined Benefits Scheme, DBS. Chairman of Retired Police officers of Nigeria, Mr Benjamin Odigie, described the exercise as timely, saying that the latest system will alleviate the untold hardship and suffering of police pensioners in the country.

46—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

NUC accreditation fever grips IMSU

Delta Assembly Speaker lauds Uduaghan on projects

By Chidi Nkwopara

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WERRI—PALPABLE anxiety has gripped the management, staff and students of Imo State University, IMSU, Owerri, following the forthcoming visit of an accreditation team from the National Universities Commission, NUC. Vanguard investigations revealed that the fears being expressed ahead of the visit may not be unfounded as no fewer than 10 departments of the institution, including the Faculty of Law, lost accreditation during the team’s last visit.

It was also gathered that all the departments that lost accreditation two years ago are battling to regain their licence, while others are working very hard to retain theirs.

Although a female senior staff of IMSU, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, confirmed the palpable fear that has enveloped the institution, she, however, disclosed that serious efforts were on to redress the obvious lapses in the faculties and departments.

She said: “A new edifice has sprung up in the Faculty of Law, which lost its accreditation when the NUC team visited the university about two years.

“With the noticeable changes

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HE Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Peter Onwusanya, has described the commissioning of 64 township roads within Asaba, Delta State capital,

by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan as unprecedented in the history of the state.

The speaker made the observation in a statement shortly after Uduaghan commissioned the roads spread across the nooks and crannies of the state capital.

He said the exercise proved that the governor was bent on finishing strong, pointing out that most roads in Asaba were almost impassable before U d u a g h a n ’ s administration.

Onwusanya linked the numerous projects in Asaba and environs to the programmes of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and urged the residents to vote PDP for all positions in the forthcoming elections.

in the Faculty of Law, the visitors may have a change of heart.

“It is a known fact that they lack the needed infrastructure and most of the departments hardly find halls for lectures and related academic activities.”

She said some renovations

HE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for Udu constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, Elegbete Moses Odibo, has promised to give the people a worthy representation, if voted in.

He made the promise during his grassroots campaign across

communities, including Ukpiovwin, Oghior, OkolorInland and Okolor-Water, Ogbe-Udu, Ugbisi, Obubu, Ekrota, and Ukperheren, among others.

Odibo appealed to Udu people to vote for all PDP candidates in the coming elections, adding that he

The student said: “Each time accreditation is lost, the university can neither admit new students nor graduate anybody fit enough to partake in the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. “This cannot be a good testimonial for IMSU management or the state government.”

IG’s c'ttee on communal clash commences sitting in Enugu

By Francis Igata

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NUGU—WORRIED by incessant communal clashes leading to killings and wanton destruction of property nationwide,the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, has set up a Communal Clash Committee to mitigate incidences of interand intra-communal crisis.

Declaring the committee’s sitting open in Enugu yesterday, Chairman of the Committee, AIG Christopher Dega, noted that the IG had to set up the committee, following frequent communal clashes nationwide, which had claimed lives and property.

He said: “The committee is an intervention measure to mitigate issues of communal clashes nationwide.

Odibo assures Udu on representation

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was currently going on in the Faculty of Education, with a view to regaining its accreditation.

A student appealed to Imo State government and IMSU management to ensure that the school regained its lost accreditations, as well as maintain the ones it had.

would use his experience and political weight to ensure Ukpiovwin/Oghior Road, Okolor-Uburhie Road, among other projects, were fixed.

In their responses, leaders of the communities said with Elegbete Odibo as PDP candidate, they would mobilize votes for PDP.

“We will tour the 36 states of the federation to dialogue with all stakeholders in the communities on lasting ways to entrench peace in our communities.

“As we have resumed sitting in Enugu, we are calling on all warring communities in the state to come and make their

submissions, or submit written memorandum to us to enable us produce a report that will be implemented for the peaceful coexistence of communities.

“The essence of the committee is to advocate peace, dialogue during inter- and intracommunity differences. We are independent and not aligned to any political party.”

Umuoji women mobilize for Buhari

By Olayinka Latona

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S the rescheduled presidential election slated for March 28 draws nearer, Lagos State branch of Umuoji Women Association has thrown its weight behind the All Progressives Congress, APC, and its presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd).

Rising from a meeting at Amuwo-Odofin, the group expressed its determination to mobilize more women to vote for change, which the party and its presidential candidate represent.

Spokesperson of the group, Mrs. Bernadine Ifeoma Eloka, told newsmen that the gathering was meant to seek

more support for APC by embarking on massive mobilization of women in Igboland to boost Buhari’s chances at the poll, which could give Nigerians the needed change for a better Nigeria.

She disclosed that her people were mobilizing more support for APC because of their discovery that APC was the right party with the right candidate to give Nigeria and Nigerians the needed change for a better life.

She said: “APC is a party for change; we are tired of empty promises which our politicians have always failed to fulfill.

“This is the opportunity we have to tell other women what we have discovered about Buhari.

We need a man who is angry with the state of the nation as it affects the masses.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

What's your take on use of soldiers in elections?

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HE soldiers have no business in elections.

It is the responsibility of the police to guarantee security during elections, not military. The military is there to protect the territorial integrity of the nation. Why bring them into electoral matters.— Miss Amaka Munuo, Self-Employed.

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HAT and where is it in the constitution of Nigeria that forbids military from providing security to Nigerians when there are real dangers of possible public safety and order? The military is needed now more than ever in 2015 Presidential election.— Miss Sophia Osuji, Graduate.

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HERE is expected crisis immediately after the elections, and it will be gross irresponsibility for the government not to be proactive and forestall the inevitable breakdown of law and order, which of course we expect from loosing parties. So soldiers are needed.—Mr. Adeola Abiodun, Photograher.

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T will amount to care lessness and neglect of duty if the country’s soldiers are not placed on the highest level of alert to avoid total massacre, particularly in the North-East region. Soldiers must be there before, during and after the elections.—Mr. Ganiyu Babajide, Student.

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ITHOUT the military, will the electorate rely on the police to maintain order before, during and after the electios? We should leave Jega and INEC alone to do what they have been constitutionally saddled with. Too many spoons spoil the brot.— Mr. Mayegun Oluwasegun, Student.

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OLDIERS must be used to protect the voters and their votes because some people will bribe the police and cause havoc. Anybody with genuine intent during the elections will want the soldiers to be more on ground than the police.—Miss Ukoma Ezeokoye, Communicator.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015 — 47

I didn't spite my deputy — ALIYU

Ex-Ecobank Manager sues bank for N1.5bn over alleged arrest, detention

By Wole Mosadomi

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INNA—NIGER State governor, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has defended his action over the handing over of administration of the state to the speaker of the state House of Assembly, Barrister Adam Usman, instead of his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Musa Ibeto, while on vacation.

Governor Aliyu, who made the clarification in Minna on Wednesday when he swore in three Commissioners into the state executive council said he did not in any way soite his deputy as there was no basis for that adding that he still remains his deputy until the end of their tenure in May this year.

The Governor who was reacting to the issue for the first time exokainednthat he has been having a good working and personal relationships with his deputy for the past years and have no cause to spite him it have crisis with him now especially at the tail end of their administration.

‘In fact I did not spite the deputy governor as far as I am concerned he is still the deputy governor and we will remain in office till the end of my administration because we are on a joint ticket,” the governor explained.

He said he had to hand over to the speaker of the House of Assembly while on a short break because his Deputy had written to him that he was also travelling for the lesser hajj on the 19th of last month the same day he was to travel.

By Onozure Dania

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VISIT: From left Mr. Joseph Babatunde, Divisional Director, Large Enterprise, Bank of Industry; Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa, MD/CEO and Eng Kola Balogun, Chairman, Meter Manufacturing Co., Mowe, Ogun State during the BOI MD's visit to the company on Tuesday. Photo Lamidi Bamidele.

Kaduna spends N3.5bn on pry schls intervention projects

By Luka Binniyat

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ADUNA—KADUNA State government spent N3.5 billion to execute 187 intervention projects in its primary schools last year, Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Mr Ishaya Akau, has said.

Details of the intervention indicated that blocks of classrooms were constructed in many schools, while other schools got fully equipped new laboratories, examination halls, stores and offices.

Further details showed that the intervention efforts covered rehabilitation and expansion of classroom blocks, construction of school fences, toilets and other sanitation facilities.

Akau, who spoke with Vanguard in Kaduna, listed other projects to include the massive

purchase of pupils and teachers’ tables, desks and benches and construction of paths into new schools in very rural areas.

According to him, 647 new class rooms, 364 VIP toilets, 35 offices and 35 stores were constructed, while 872 class rooms were renovated and rehabilitated.

He revealed that 1,206 teachers’ furniture were procured and distributed, while 23,994 pupils furniture were procured, with new examination halls built in 26 schools across the state.

Akau said that 70 schools had new laboratories, with 48 schools fenced up, while 23 projects monitoring motorcycles were procured.

Books and other library equipment were supplied to schools in the 23 local governments, he said.

Giving a breakdown of the projects according to the 23 local

Yero orders release of detained APC supporters

By Luka Binniyat

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ADUNA—GOVERNOR Mukhtar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State yesterday ordered the release of scores of All Progressives Congress, APC, supporters detained for unruly acts against the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The Chairman, Media Committee of the Organisation, Mallan Yakubu Lere, who dislcosed this to newsmen, said the governor decided to use his powers as the Chief Security Officer of the state to order their release, not only as a sign of his magnanimity, but also to abide by last month’s peace agreement reached between him and the gubernatorial candidate of APC, Mallam Nasir El Rufai.The Campaign Committee of the

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governor, however, insisted that the supporters of the APC in Kaduna State were violent, a charged the APC had also heaped on the PDP in the state.

Said Lere: “We have gathered you here today to praeach on the need for peace in Kaduna state, peace which our rivals do not appreciate. ”Last Sunday, our supporters were molested in Zaria all our billboards destroyed after Governor Yero’s campaign attracted a record crowd in the city the previous Saturday.

“That is not the first time, they are doing this. It is almost a daily occurrence in some parts of Kaduna that APC claims strong hold.

“We have been attacke d several times in Udawa village

along Birnin Gwari, Bakin Ruwa in Igabi Local Government Area.

governments, Akau said that seven local governments benefitted in Birnin Gwari, while nine schools were affected in Chikun.

Further details indicated that seven schools benefited from various intervention projects in Giwa, while 10 schools also enjoyed the intervention projects in Igabi.

Eight primary schools in Ikara Local Government had projects sited in their schools, with another eight and six schools benefitting from the intervention efforts in Jaba and Jema’a.

Kachia Local Government had projects sited in 11 schools, Kaduna North six, while Kaduna South had seven schools that benefitted, the details further showed.

Other beneficiaries included Kajuru, five schools, Kagarko, seven schools, Kaura, six schools, as well as well as Kauru, where seven schools were given various projects.

Nine schools benefited in Kubau, Kudan, six schools, Lere, nine schools, Makarfi, six schools, as well as Sabon-Gari.

ENIN CITY—A former Ecobank Plc Branch Manager, Victor Amushie, has dragged the bank to court, claiming N1.5 billion over his alleged arrest and detention.

In two separate suits before a Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State, he is demanding N500million for his illegal arrest and detention and in another suit before an Enugu State High Court, he is seeking N1billion from the bank for allegedly ruining his 16-year banking career.

Amushie is contending that he was arrested on August 11, 2014 at the bank’s Akpakpava Branch in Benin and detained for two days without being asked to make a statement or allowed access to his lawyer, family and friends.

According to him, on August 13, 2014, officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC took him to the Esigie Police Division in Benin, from where he was taken to EFCC’s office in Lagos, where he was told about the bank’s petition.

Ecobank had accused him of fraud, following which EFCC published on its website that he (Amushie) granted loan to himself using several names and accounts to the tune of N81million while at Ecobank.

The plaintiff said he was detained by the EFCC for 19 days and was released after the commission had interviewed the customers the loans were granted to.

Ecobank in the petition had alleged that Amushie was on his way out of the country when he was arrested.

But the plaintiff is contending in the suit the loans were actually approved by Ecobank’s Head Office and granted following due process, adding that he was arrested at work and was never

POLLS: Arenyeka urges support for Jonathan, Okowa

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ARRI—PEOPLES’ Democratic Party, PDP, South-South zonal Legal Adviser and Warri South Local Government Area Coordinator for Jonathan/Okowa campaign, Ada Val Arenyeka has called on the electorate to vote President Goodluck Jonathan for President and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for Governor of Delta State in theb coming elections.

He stated this in Uyo, AkwaIbom State capital, during the enlarged South-South zonal meeting of the PDP. He said: “As far as I am

concerned, and from all facts available to us, President Jonathan has creditably discharged his duties as our President and has delivered on his mandate.”

According to him, President Jonathan has fought corruption to a standstill by strengthening the graft agencies, and making Nigeria’s economy healthier by becoming the largest in Africa.

Arenyeka also urged Deltans to cast their vote for Sen. Okowa, saying with him at the saddle, Delta State is in a safe hand.

“In his capacity as a Senator, his

vision of legislation coupled with his exceptional dedication to his oversight duties stand him out as a leader of uncommon resourcefulness. We must reject proud and conceited men who are seeking power for the sake of it.

“But Senator Okowa is in the race to further the good works of the present administration, thus bringing prosperity to all Deltans.

I therefore enjoin the electorate in Delta State to turn up en masse to vote for Sen. Okowa come, April 11. I also insist Mr. President be re-elected to continue with his people-oriented projects.”

48—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

CAMPAIGN: Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, (3rd right), his Deputy, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori (3rd left), State Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, Prince Gboyega Famodun (left), APC State Secretary, Alhaji Rasak Salinsile (2nd left), former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kolapo Alimi (2nd right), and others during a campaign rally for Gen. Buhari/Osibajo and National Assembly members, at Ilie, Olorunda LGA, Osun State.

UNVEILING: From left: Mr Rajesh Sudhakaran, Country Head, LMD, Mr Federic Balay, MD, Archos, and Mr. Ademola Olukotun, General/Country Manager, Archos, during the official unveiling of Archos brands in Lagos.

Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

OPENING: Mr. Segun Oloketuyi, MD/CEO, Wema Bank Plc(left), Princess Oluremi Obideyi, Regent of Irun-Akoko (right) and other dignitaries, at the opening of Wema Bank's newest branch in Irun-Akoko, Akoko-North LGA, Ondo State.

PRESENTATION: From left: The newly presented Remo Diocesan Lay President, Sir Lana Odutola, his wife, Lady Ranti, and Remo Diocesan Bishop, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Revd Michael Akinwale and his wife, Modupeola, during the presentation, at Revd Mellor Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Sagamu, Remo, Ogun State.

COMMISSIONING: From left: GM Human Capital, CITA Aviation Fueling Company, Mr. Ola Azeez, MD/ CEO, Mr. Thomas Ogungbangbe and GM Operations, Mr. Olasimbo Betiku, during the official commissioning of the CITA ultra modern aviation fuel storage and handling depot in Lagos.

CAMPAIGN VISIT: From left: Chairman of Okowability Prosperity Network, OPN, Ambassador Solomon Okowa, Chief Osiobe Okotie, Chairman, Agbarho Council of Chiefs, with HRM, Adjaroh Onome Okpalefe 111; Osuive of Agbarho kingdom, when Amb. Solomon Okowa led a delegation of the group to the monarch.

LAUNCHING: From left: Provost General, Oyigbo Ultra-Modern Market, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Mr. Martin Ogbonna, Zonal Head, Port-Harcourt 2, First City Monument Bank, FCMB, Ltd, Mr. Chime Aliliele, Chairman, Market Association, Chief Ben Eze, Zonal Head, Port Harcourt 1, FCMB, Mr. Oliver Opara, and General Secretary of the association, Mr. Patrick Nwaonye, at the launch of FCMB Personal Business Account product at Oyigbo Market in Port-Harcourt.

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PEACE DAY: From left: Rotarian & Mrs. Ayo Olumokun, AG, Rotary Club of Amuwo, Rotn. Kosiso Udechukwu, President, Rotary Club of Amuwo, Rotn.

Felix Nwagu, President, Rotary Club of Satellite Town, Rotn. Paddy Ejiogu, Vice President, Rotary Club of Amuwo and Rotn. Veronica Nwagu, during the Rotary World Understanding and Peace Day at Festac Town, Lagos.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015 —49

Ogun govt demolishes FG building over non-approval A

By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—THE Ogun State Government has reportedly demolished a property worth N34 million belonging to the National Assembly Complaints Commission, a Federal Government agency in Abeokuta, the state capital.

When newsmen visited the site, officials of the state government from the Ministry of Urban and Regional Planning were seeing packing the debris from the scene.

The officials did not want to speak to newsmen but one of them said that the structure did not have the approval of the state government hence the decision to pull it down.

Speaking with newsmen, the Deputy Director of the Commission, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, described the exercise as premeditated demolition.

Adeyemi claimed that the agency had on Tuesday received two letters from the Abeokuta Central Zonal Planning Office, ordering the agency to stop work and another contravention notice.

In the letters obtained by our correspondent , the state agency said the commission embarked on the construction of the building suspected to be without

development permit.

The structure until the time of demolition was at the lintel stage.

He wondered why the state government would embark on such demolition, barely 24 hours after the commission received letters from its agency.

Adeyemi said that the state government initially claimed that the parcel of land lying on the Federal Enclave which was set aside for all federal government agencies for developmental purposes.

He said: “Initially, they claimed that the parcel of land belongs to the state government. I informed them that the land in question belongs to the commission and that the land had been allocated by the administration of the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo to the Federal Government and it is being called Federal Enclave.

“The problem began when we erected a perimeter fence sometimes last year and this was pulled down by this same agency of the state government. With this development, we wrote series of letters to the Director-

General of Lands and Survey.

“Other federal governments agencies on the Master Plan included Federal Audit Department, Federal Information Centre, Nigeria Bank for Commerce and Industries, among others.”

Reacting, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Stephen Adewolu, said he was not aware of the demolition. However, he said before anyone embarks on any construction work, such person must obtain approved building plan.

SWEARING IN: Newly sworn in Secretary to the Osun State Government, SSG, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (right), signing the oath of office, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State (left), and former Osun State Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi, during the swearing in ceremony in Osogbo, yesterday.

Jonathan can ask Jega to proceed on terminal leave —FAYOSE

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By Gbenga Ariyibi

DO EKITI—EKITI State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose yesterday said that President Goodluck Jonathan has the prerogative power to ask the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega to proceed on terminal leave, saying members of All Progressive Congress, APC, who are opposed to this have their own agenda.

Fayose who described the complaints of APC and their sympathizers as mere comedy, advised them to stop acting as if Nigeria belongs to the party.

According to a statement issued in Ado Ekiti yesterday and signed by his Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the governor said that “removal of Jega and any other appointee of the Federal Government was a prerogative of the president, which no one can question, provided laid down rules are followed.

“President Goodluck Jonathan can sack Jega if he wishes and if he does, heavens will not fall. It is on record that Prof. Maurice Iwu was asked to proceed on C M Y K

terminal leave two months to the end of his tenure. Is Jega not a beneficiary of Iwu’s removal? So if Iwu was asked to go on terminal leave before the expiration of his

tenure for Jega to assume office, what difference does it make if Jega too is asked to proceed on terminal leave before the expiration of his tenure?”

Fayose who condemned members of APC for turning themselves into defender of the INEC boss, urged Nigerians to watch their antics.

Why we parted ways with Amosun —ODUNSI

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By Dapo Akinrefon & Charles Kumolu

AGOS—GOVERNORSHIP candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in Ogun State, Senator Akin Odunsi has dismissed insinuations that he and others parted ways with Governor Ibikunle Amosun as a result of disagreement over distribution of government patronage.

Odunsi, who said this during a

visit to Vanguard office, emphasised that the alleged failure of governance in Ogun State forced him out of the All Progressives Congress, APC. The SDP candidate explained that “if we were interested in ourselves alone, we would not have gotten to where we are today. No. It is an issue of our party men, our followers because, at a stage, they tried to attract us back, saying we should come

back, that our tickets will be given to us. Who is going to give me my ticket? Is it the governor?

He is also fighting for his own ticket even though he has organized all types of endorsements package even before the primaries.”

In addition, he said, “we are not doing what we are doing because of ourselves, no. We are fighting the cause of the people, the cause of the common man."

Nigeria High Commission, UK group hold summit Asset Management & in Lagos

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By Clifford Ndujihe

AGOS—FOLLOWING the successes of the last two summits in London, the Asset Summit Africa 2015 will be held for the first time in Africa at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on March 31 and April 1.

Expected to bring together about 6150 senior managers and

decision makers from oil and gas, real estate and facilities, government, banking, manufacturing and utilities, the event is meant to promote effective asset management and maintenance culture in developing nations.

With the theme: “Reduce Costs, Improve Safety & Increase Profitability through Effective

Maintenance,” the summit is being organised by the Nigeria High Commission, London, the UK Trade and Investment and AM Facilities.

Principal Consultant of the organising company, Codub Group UK, said: ‘’Productivity growth—and thus increasing competitiveness—is higher in countries with an adequate supply of infrastructure services."

INEC clears all candidates EKITI:

A

By Gbenga Ariyibi

DO EKITI—THE Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Ekiti State has cleared all candidates whose names were forwarded to it by their various political parties to contest the March and April general elections The electoral body, however, said the court has the right to disqualify or do otherwise to candidates who have petitions against them, according to the Ekiti Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Sam Olumekun.

Speaking at a news conference in Ado-Ekiti, Olumekun said the commission was prepared to conduct free, fair and credible election in the state, adding that it has mapped out strategies to test-run Smart Card Readers to be deployed for the polls.

On the test running of Card Readers before the conduct of the elections, the INEC boss said it was meant to erase doubts about the new innovation.

He added that his commission was not envisaging failure in the performance of the machines to be deployed.

Non-indigenes back Agoda for Senate

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APELE—A group of nonindigenes living in Delta Central has vowed to pull its weight behind Hon. Halims Agoda, as the next Senator of the Federal Republic from Delta Central.

In a news release made available to newsmen in Sapele, the group, Delta Central Non-Indigenes Dynamic Forum, through its leader, Mr. Monday Ofurie, described Hon. Agoda as a true leader that everyone in Delta Central, both indigenes and non-indigenes, can be proud of.

Ofurie asserted that what inspired the non-indigenes to throw their weight behind Agoda is the fact that he loves his fellow Urhobos and fights for their rights and entitlements to the admiration of even the non-indigenes.

His words: “Charity begin at home and whenever you notice a man who genuinely has the interest of his own people at heart, it is always a heartwarming trait to observe in a politician."

50—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

BITS Bits NLC rescheduled election: Public sector unions move against another

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esterday, it was the private sector unions accusing the public sector unions of betrayal ahead of the botched Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, election, today, report reaching labour Vanguard is that a public sector union’s candidate to the rescheduled election is moving against his supposed allies in his desperate bid to secure NLC post.

After his failure to woo a private sector union’s candidate to switch to the post of Treasurer which is unopposed, the desperate candidate who may have now realized that “there will not be another conference-insession” where he could move for reopening of nomination as only election will be conducted on March 12, has now turned his attention to his “supposed allies” for betrayal.

According to information, a deputy president candidate is being targeted for “sacrifice to realize his ambition.”

Investigation revealed that the principal target is a candidate who is rumoured to be on his way to retirement.

However, the plot is not limited to the candidate as caucus and nocturnal meetings are being held to determine who should be “sacrificed to ensure victory on March 12”, a reliable source told Labour Vanguard.

A case of he who thrives in deceit, will never changed.

Nkem Nwauzo, former NCSU scribe is dead

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MMEDIATE past General Secretary of Nigeria Civil Service Union, NCSU, Chief Nkem Nwauzo, is dead.

He died on December 27, 2014. The late Nwauzo was not only a respected unionist with socialist orientation, intelligent and a reservoir of knowledge; he was also very honest and trustworthy.

He was General Secretary of the union during the tenure of Fidelis Edeh.

Information available to Labour Vanguard, has it that his remains would be buried in the second week of April.

Labour Vanguard uses this medium to commiserate with his immediate family, friends, colleagues and NCSU on this irreparable loss.

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Minimum Wage: Governors discriminate against LG workers, teachers

By Victor Ahiuma-Young, Wole Mosadomi, Francis Igata, & Marie-Therese Nanlong

Continued from last edition

I

NFORMATION from Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Abuja headquarters has it that “in spite of the law on the new minimum wage, the signed agreements with state governments, the passage of time, some state governments have barely fully implemented the law.

In some states, teachers and local government workers are yet to be paid the minimum wages.

This is not only an affront to the law, but an assault on workers in line with the doctrine of an injury to one is an injury to all. All necessary effort should be made to ensure that non-minimum-wage paying states should be made to pay by or face the wrath of workers.”

Ebony workers set for strike: “In Ebonyi, leaders of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, are said to be negotiating with the state over the full implementation of the minimum wage for workers in the state.“Speaking with Labour Vanguard, state chairman, Joint Pubic Service Negotiating Council, Ikechukwu Nwafor, said workers had earlier embarked on three days warning strike in January to compel the government to fully implement the new wage. “According to him, the state government had constituted a-14 man committee to look into the new wage with a view towards its implementation.

•Gov Babangida Aliyu

effected a15 percent increment to the workers’ salaries which still fell short of the N18.000 minimum wage.

State Chairman of NLC, Patrick Obianyo, who spoke against the backdrop of inability of the state government to give the state workforce a 100 percent minimum wage, however stated that the recent 15 percent increase in workers' salaries was a welcome devel“ Niger State workers sad: Most of the civil servants in Niger State are not happy with implementation of the minimum wage by the state government.

Chairman of the state NLC, Yahaya Idris Ndako, said with the Law establishing the NMW, Niger State had implemented the

Indefinite strike “He said "The government is not being sincere with us. The committee has submitted its report but we are yet to hear from the Governor, SSG and Head of Service.

What they are trying to do is alter our report. We will reject it. We will fight against it with the last drop of our blood. In fact, if this negotiation fails, we are going to embark on indefinite strike throughout the end of this administration".

Reacting, the state supervising Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Ike, noted that negotiation was still ongoing between the state government and Labour over wages in the state. “ Anambra workers demand full implementation: I n Anambra State, immediate past government of Peter Obi, instead of implementing the N18.000 minimum wage, just added N10,000 and just recently, the incumbent governor merely

During negotiation between labour and government, Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, threatened that if he must implement the agreement to the letter and with the size of civil servants presented, he would be forced to retrench

•Gov Jonah-Jang

wage to the dissatisfaction of the workers in the state.“He explained that during negotiation between labour and government, Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, threatened that if he must implement the agreement to the letter and with the size of civil servants presented, he would be forced to retrench. Both parties disagreed with that, the only option left was to agree with the terms given.

Plateau govt, labour negotiating Leaders of organized labour in Plateau State in including the State Chairman of NLC, Jubrin Bancir, State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, Ade Akinbo, State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Samson Mafuyai, and the State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, Gunshin Yarlings, said but for ongoing negotiation, the workers were planning industrial action.“ Bancir told Labour Vanguard: “We have some issues with government and we've made them known to the authorities; we were planning a strike to press home our demands but right now, the strike is on hold because government has opened up negotiations with us and we are waiting to see the outcome.

“The minimum wage issue had been settled based on our agreement but we hope the government will keep its own part of the agreement once the bio-metric capturing exercise is over.”

Similarly, Akinbo of the TUC said: “Plateau State has domesticated the national minimum wage but negotiation differs, our members from Plateau State have enjoyed the minimum wage

•Abdulwaheed Omar

but arrears of six months are still pending because minimum wage took effect in April but the state started paying in October. We urge the state to pay up the arrears because the workers deserve the pay.

State NUT Chairman, Yarlings explained: “Those who have already been captured in the ongoing bio-metric capturing exercise are being paid 55% of the minimum wage but those yet to be captured are being owed for about 10 months now. The government said they will pay all arrears when the exercise is completed, that is why we appeal that this thing should be hastened because those without salaries for 10 months are really suffering.

Biometric capturing By next week, the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, the Local Government Service Commission, LGSC , and the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs will have a meeting to determine the tentative date at which the bio-metric capturing will be completed. We've been patient by receiving the 55% of the minimum wage and we hope government will not renege on the promise of paying us the arrears when the exercise is completed.

Mafuyai of NULGE also said: “As leaders, we are bound by our words; that is why we are keeping our part of the agreement by receiving 55% and awaiting the outcome of bio-metric capturing.

Then we will know the authentic number of staff on payroll, we are waiting and we hope we will really smile at the end of the exercise which we hope will come very soon.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015—51

ECS captures 11 million workers •As 23,482 employers key into scheme

By Funmi Komolafe & Victor Ahiuma-Young NO fewer than 23,482 employers have keyed into the Employees Compensation Scheme, ECS, regarded as a major step towards implementation of social insurance aimed at, among others, rehabilitation of workers who sustain injuries at work and payment of compensation for permanent disability or death.

ECS is managed by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF. Speaking on the advent of social security scheme in Nigeria, MD/CEO of NSITF, Munir Abubakar, who lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for introducing the scheme, said government before now, associated the scheme with wastage of resources.

According to him, “Although in the past, the issue of funding social security had always scared governments, thinking that investment in this area is wasteful; the present administration of President Goodluck Jonathan has realized that social security is not a social cost but an investment in people and the state, with attendant benefits like poverty reduction or eradication or prevention, improved quality of work and life, national social cohesion and peace, nation building and state security.

Social security The administration has therefore made a paradigm shift away from the age-long belief that social security is costly and not affordable and has taken a bold step in enacting the amendment to NSITF Act of 1993, which now covers such areas as unemployment benefits and social pension or assistance to the aged, children and other vulnerable groups.”

Abubakar also explained that the extended mandate of the NSITF as contained in the new amendment of NSITF Act, now waiting for President Jonathan’s assent, was aimed at extending social protection to more vulnerable groups in the country.

“The newly enacted amendment to the original NSITF Act of 1993 makes adequate provisions for non– contributory schemes like unemployment benefits, assistance to the aged, children and other vulnerable members of the society. Obviously, this

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an affordable investment in people and the state. Therefore, the goals of social security in any environment are to guarantee the following — eradication, reduction or prevention of poverty and vulnerability; improvement/ standardization of quality of work and life; assurance of national social cohesion and peace; creating and diverting human, natural and economic resources towards nationbuilding and assurance of global or state security.”

Extension of mandate

zMunir-Abubakar

zNgozi Olejeme

zPeter Esele

new enactment, which is awaiting Mr. President’s assent, is aimed at focusing on these areas,” he said.

The NSITF boss who insisted that the future of social security in Nigeria is bright going by the cooperation of the organized private sector in the implementation of ECS, stressed that “it is gratifying to note that we have made appreciable progress in the buy-in secured from the organized private sector employers within the past two years of implementing the scheme. As at December 2014, a total of 23,482 employers have been registered from that sector. This translates to coverage of about 11 million employees in the private sector.”

According to him, efforts are ongoing to collaborate with the labour movement, social partners, employer bodies, and relevant NGOs for the scheme to get wider publicity and acceptance.

NSITF, NECA safe workplace intervention

project Continuing, Abubakar noted that on the platform of NSITF– NECA Safe Workplace Intervention Project, incentives were given to employers who complied with nationally drawn Occupational Safety and Health standards.

The incentives, he said included the award of ambulances and several infrastructural aids for the maintenance of safe working environment, saying this was assisting to achieve a vital aspect of the scheme— prevention of workplace accidents/diseases through improvement in quality of health and safety and provision of accident prevention infrastructure in contributing companies.

“Therefore, we embarked on aggressive public enlightenment programmes to raise the level of public dialogue and awareness about the ECS.

Interactive sessions with stakeholders (NECA, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and other groups and associations) are on-going in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The fora have been expanded to include stakeholders from the states and local governments.

Courtesy visits to win the support and buy-in of state governors have been undertaken to some governors, while visits to others are being scheduled. All of these activities are aimed at ensuring critical stakeholders are aware of their roles in the implementation journey,” Abubakar explained.

Olejeme, Esele speak on extended NSITF mandate Speaking on the added mandate of the NSITF, board chairman, Mrs. Ngozi Olejeme said deliberate efforts are being made to highlight the goals of social security, saying, “in doing so, we note also that social security is not a social cost but

Retired Oyo teachers protest unpaid entitlements

By Ola Ajayi & Bukola Ifegbayi, Ibadan

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Although in the past, the issue of funding social security had always scared governments....the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan has realized that social security is not a social cost

According to her, the extension of mandate indicated the determination of President Goodluck Jonathan to drive enlarged social security that include the aged, children, unemployed youths and other vulnerable members in the society.

She said, “I am confident that Nigeria will not only achieve the aforementioned goals, but will surpass them when we aggregate the expected impact of the multi-pillar social protection programmes being offered to Nigerians through various schemes. When full implementation of the new law

by NSITF commences, the average Nigerian will be adequately catered for as a child, youth, middle-aged or aged as the law makes copious provisions for child benefits, unemployment benefits and old age benefits for the vulnerable.”

On his part, immediate past President-General of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, Comrade Peter Esele, urged for the gathering of relevant statistics in order to ensure sustainable implementation of the enlarged mandate.

ETIRED primary school teachers in Oyo State have decried alleged refusal of Governor Abiola Ajimobi to pay their pensions and gratuities, estimated at N17 billion.

The pensioners who marched through major streets in Ibadan, lamented that they had gone destitute and could not meet their medical and other needs.

The ex-teachers led by their chairman, Remi Babatunde took to the streets after a meeting at Agodi GRA, complaining that they could no longer bear the hardship occasioned by unpaid entitlements.

According to them, on the platform of National Association

of Retired Primary School Teachers, they retired from active service in July 2011 which coincided with assumption of office of the incumbent governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and since then the administration had not paid any gratuity to them.

Dismissing claims that their money was part of N6.5billion allegedly looted at the Oyo State Local Government Pension Board between October 2010 and April 2011, they said, “the money looted was never pensioners’ money but Oyo State Government fund being looted by some officials of the State Government long before Governor Ajimobi was swornin.”

In a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s meeting, they stated that former

governor, Otunba Alao-Akala paid gratuities of retired primary school teachers up to year 2009 and rather than the incumbent governor to start paying from where his predecessor stopped, he sent a circular with Ref. No. SP/S.326/ T14A/26 through the then Secretary to the State Government, Akin Olajide that he would pay 50% of the monthly pension.

“The government decided to pay our monthly pension till the economy of the state improves, whereas the economy of the state was buoyant as at that time against what is on ground in the state now “, the protesting retirees said.

Contacted, chairman of State Universal Education Board, Busari Adebisi, debunked the pensioners' claims.

52 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

Youth restiveness:

Odianose's practical guide on youth engagement, to the rescue

By Prisca Sam-Duru

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O doubt, the Nigerian youths are very busy but quite worrisome is the fact that most of them are busy with diverse forms of depravity that are inimical to their living quality lifestyle, and the development of the nation.

The youths to a large extent, are neglected and this has resulted in an increase in the rate at which they get involved in various crimes as wrong means of survival. Sadly, many end up in the throes of survival and subsequently, in an early and ignominious grave.

This situation sends a distress call to not just the government but parents/guardians, teachers and all concerned individuals to help address the issues undermining the usefulness of these

young ones who are the future of the nation.

Interestingly, Dominic Odianose Matthew took the bold step last week when he presented a well thought out book that offers a practical guide on youth development, its challenges and diverse strategies to overcome them.

Odianose’s book titled, Practical Perspectives On Youth: Engagement and Mobilisation Strategy which was published by Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Agency, LLC in October, 2014, was presented to the public last Wednesday at the Ladi Larwal NUJ Press Centre, Alausa-Ikeja, Lagos.

Practical Perspective on Youth is made up of eight chapters that address issues of mobilising youth and directing them towards self and nation building.

Sylvanus Imhontu a press staff under the Governor’s office,comrade Sotadeor George and the author Also, the book covers social networking, civic duties and obligations to the state, youth and crime, HIV/AIDS, drug abuse

We must ensure that we help the youths learn to make reading a part of them even at a tender age

and how to become financially independent. For fact that the book was written from a background of research and experience by an author , a youth mobiliser himself, with invaluable experience of many years involvement in youth–based activities its facts, could be trusted.

The author, an active youth member of many volunteer organisations who has been involved in the organisation of youth programmes both within and outside the country disclosed that he decided to write on the subject so as to help empower the youth sector through capacity building and knowledge sharing.

He regretted that the youths are not listened to and issues affect-

Mabadeje's tonic on how to be the real you in print

By Detoun Ogwo

T

OO many people hold on to the past and allow the negative experiences of the past define their present and future.

This should not be: where you are coming from should not in any way determine where you are going.

In his book THE CALL; THE PASSION; THE DESTINY, Abiodun Mabadeje helps you understand that the success you desire to attain is predicated on how you move from your present state into the future you desire, irrespective of the circumstances of your past. If you desire to move forward, you cannot keep looking back into your ‘unfortunate past’.

Life is full of challenges. The road is never smooth for anyone and running away from challenges will not solve them.

Many dwell only on what they have gone through in life, unable to look beyond their past or present circumstances.

To succeed, you have to confront and overcome your circumstances. You must not allow fear and pessimism hold you back.

One very fundamental point C M Y K

the book explains in the detail, which many people are ignorant of, is the Law of Attraction. To succeed, you have to align yourself with the reality of the Law of Attraction. This Law states that “I attract into my life whatever I give my attention, energy and focus to, whether positive or negative.”

This raises questions which you must answer: What do you give your attention to? What do you focus on? What do you expend our energy on?

Critical question When you fill your mind with negative thoughts, the Law of Attraction states that you will simply get more of the same. It is time for you to think deeply so as to determine whether the challenges you currently face are selfafflicted as a result of attraction or by reason of your thoughts.

In Chapter Two, the author raises another critical question: Who are you? This is a question of identity. It is one you must answer, because if you do not know who you are, you will not know what you are about or why

you are here.

If you cannot answer this question, you will have the problem of misplaced identity. Many people are trying to be who they are not – they talk, walk and even dress like someone else. Knowing who you are helps you function as you should; living yowur own life and not someone else’s.

You must note that to truly identify who you are you must go back to your source, the One who created you - God Almighty – because you were created not by accident but to fulfill destiny. He has the blueprint of your life.

As the author clearly states, you MUST have a vision: a comprehensive sense of who you are and where you are going. Anyone without a vision does not have a future.

Your vision might seem gigantic and your challenges insurmountable. However, keep the Law of Attraction in mind, envisage the future you want, forget the past and project into the future.

Everyone is called to do something or be something. What are YOU called to do or be? It is time to step out and be bold, bearing in mind the Law of Cause and Effect; that actions determine reactions and input determines output.

Get out of the “Good Old Days” mentality. To live in the future you dream of, consider the words of Isaac Newton, “Everything (or object, or life) remains in a state of constant rest until an external force is applied”, and do what you need to do right away.

•Detoun Ogwo, CoFounder and Director of After Graduation Development Centre – AGDC

ing them are not given prompt attention until they begin to revolt against the status quo. The dearth of books in the youth sector he also noted, was another motivating factor to write the book. According to him, it will serve as a potent practical guide for youth, students of youth work and researches into youth affairs.

He expressed hope that the book and others to come will address some issues such as unemployment, youth statistics, youth mentoring project, leadership training justice etc, that lack proper policy framework for youth development to thrive.

Former Editor Headline News Daily Times of Nigeria , Mr Dele Odebiyi who commended the author for his honest concern for the welfare of youths, stated that the major problem with Nigeria is poor reading culture.

Social media He said the author has taken time to write but the problem is who will read? Odeniyi lamented the negative effect of social media on the youthadding that “We must ensure that we help the youths learn to make reading a part of them even at a tender age. We have to go back to the good old days to curb the high level of emptiness in the youth.”

He said.

Immediate past National President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Deolu Sotade-George, commended the author for his efforts towards reviving reading attitude of youths. He regretted that the young ones have lost core values and so need to read the chapter that addresses mobilisation of youths so as to learn how they can stay away from societal ills.

The book he stated, is a priceless handbook that will encourage young minds to avoid violent activities during and after the forthcoming general elections in the country adding that it has capability to change people’s approach to tackling issues.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015 — 53

As We Vote – Save The Nigerian Art

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•Bente Vindvik putting finishes touches on a work

Nordic View, Bente Vindvik's parting gift to art lovers

By Japhet Alakam

B

ENTE Vindvik is a Nor wegian born painter. She had participated in many solo and group exhibitions in her country Norway and in Angola where she stayed for sometime before coming to Nigeria. And after spending over four years in Nigeria, Norwegian born painter is set to share her art with art lovers in and around Lagos, before she finally leaves in May with a solo art exhibition tagged A Nordic View of Nigeria, an exhibition of Drawings and painting.

The exhibition which can be seen as her parting gift is scheduled to open today, 5th of March and run to March, 14th at Quintessence Gallery, Parkview Estate main entrance, Gerard Road, Ikoyi and will feature her view about Nigeria in the last four years.

Different techniques Bente Vindvik, who stated that her mission as an artist has always been to recreate what she see in her own very personal way actually reflected that in her latest exhibition where she will showcase about 16 works done in different techniques that depicts some of those things she has seen, experienced and felt about the country Nigeria.

With good use of colours, she paints out her emotions in most of the works. Some of the works include The Blue people, The Blue woman; The past; Independent; Blue Tulip; Small talk and others.

The artists who confessed that her more than 4 years stay in Nigeria and the experiences, had transformed in her head and become her own special, colourful birds, said that “in Nigeria, peo-

ple dress in so many colours. That gives me inspiration that sometimes lead to nonfigurative images in my head.

There is activity everywhere and that energy is also inspiring.

The colours and energy of Lagos gets transformed into images. Some may see only colours in my pictures.

For it is so con•The Blue people by Bente nected to what inspired me that I see both col- not like a photo.” Another piece, The Blue woman where she recour and images.”

Speaking about the piece, reates a metaphoric view of the Small talks, which depicts two Nigerian women whom she debirds facing each other, prefer- scribes as strong and believe in ably talking to each other, Bente the future.

In his artistic statement, Bente said that the painting was what she recreated from the colour- said, “I am not a naturalist, even ful birds that she sees from their if I sometimes find inspiration in building. “From my window I trying to recreate people and see out on the canopy of the re- other living things as accurately mains of the forest that once cov- as possible. Light fascinates me ered our part of Ikoyi. I see col- because in Norway we have a ourful birds that inspire me to lot of light in summer with very recreate them on canvass, but long days.”

Continuing, she expressed her view about Africa too, saying that it is colour, the colour of people, their dresses and the colour of nature. My first contact with this I am not a magnificent continent was Angola where I stayed for three naturalist, even years and travelled a lot. if I sometimes Everywhere you had the red, Ochre coloured sand and vegfind inspiration etation shifting from deep green in trying to to the greyness of semi-arid coastal areas. I had opportunity recreate people to work with local artists and to and other livexhibit together with them on occasion. It gave me a lot of ining things as spiration to be in that environaccurately as ment which is so different from possible my home country.”

E are not sure that Mr. President has been properly informed of the reasons why the cradle of Nigerians artistic creativity needs to be sold to the Arab Emirate to be converted to a replica of the Dubai Mall and to build a Five Star Hotel in the name of Hospitality and nation building for Tourism We appreciate the fact that the Minister for Culture and Tourism has the expertise in Hotel Management and welcoming tongue of hospitality. That may be sufficient qualities for Tourism Ministry, but not to kill the Arts and Culture. No bird can fly with one bald wing. The Arts and Culture wing has almost lost all its feathers.

For two decades the prestigious and magnificent Bulgarian master piece acquired for our nations prestigious hosting of the World’s Black Festival (FESTAC) has lost its shine and out of function.

The main bowl of the auditorium has not been used at all for two decades.

“We thank God for the presence of National Council for Arts and Culture (N.C.A.C) in the premises to have created room to establish an artists Village for creative artists and enabling environment for Sculptors, fine Artistes, dancers, singers, and instrumentalists etc to exist and function. This cradle of artistic community is indeed the first of its kind in West Africa.

It attracts Tourists and provides the most useful artistic information about the people called Nigerians. If this portfolio is too loaded to be under one Ministry, we wish to suggest a separate Ministry for the Arts and Culture. The prospect of such Ministry has great advantages. If well managed it will be a leading income generator for our nation just like it has done for the American ‘Broadway’ establishment. The Tourists will come to see our Arts and know

Your reign will exhume the memories of our heroes, artists, politicians, sportsmen and women

our people.

Tourism is not to impose foreign culture on our home and invite strangers to come and enjoy the hospitality of a foreign culture.

Mr. President may recall that after his generous bonanza on the Arts sector, I wrote an “Open Letter to the President” thanking him and in the same vein suggesting that we do not go ‘cap in hand’ to collect our shares individually but to build a HALL OF FAME FOR NIGERIA to preserve our cultural heritage in art history like England’s Madam Tusaud in London and provide work for the painters sculptors, writers, photographers etc for the next five years indeed for a good number of top professional artists to make their prints in the nation’s history. By their works they shall be remembered.

The premises, indeed the complex that constitute the National Theatre is large enough to contain this suggested Hall of Fame without destroying the existing concept of Artists Village, NICO ((National Institute of Cultural Orientation, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

What better way to introduce Nigeria and its people for Tourists to see?

Monumental museum of arts A Dubai style shopping mall decked with yet another Five Star Hotel or a National and monumental museum of arts and humanity that will display our ‘heroes past’.

Mr. President sir, please consider favourably the choice of the latter and perpetuate the good works of your time. We see the reforms in Railroad, Maritime Roads, Education and others.

What about the arts.

The Arts will build a perfect permanent and organic legacy to remember, the reign of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. There has never been one like you.

Your reign will exhume the memories of our past heroes, artists, politicians, sportsmen and women, world champions encapsulated in a hall of fame and to keep the spirit alive we ask for social security and retirement benefit for established artists. Most artists work until death or work till they are tired and wait for death and die before their time.

The consolation is ‘AWARDS’ without cash to cushion their lives. The national awards and awards of excellence and the latest is “life time Achievement Award all of which carry no financial reward. They’re left to jump on ‘molue’ with medals dangling on their chests.

54—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

‘Election'll be based on performance'

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HE Labour Party candidate for Amac Bwari Federal constituency, Chief Johnson Anene, has said the choice of who represents the constituency at the 8th National Assembly will be based on performance and capacity to deliver and not on party or ethnic sentiments.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja through his Director of Campaign, Chief Okey Nwoke, Anene lamented the poor representation of the constituency, noting that the present representatives had not done much in affecting the lives of people in the Federal Capital Territory.

He said he was better equipped to address the problems of the two area councils if elected, adding that his party had robust policies in tackling the twin problems of unemployment and poverty through its empowerment and skill acquisition programmes.

Anene said: “I will utilize constituency funds at my disposal to empower women, youths and the elderly through elaborate people-oriented policies and programmes within the Amac/Bwari federal constituency.”

He debunked reports that a particular candidate had been endorsed, adding that the Igbo in the FCT were yet to adopt any candidate.

Journalists not evaluating politicians— ALELE-WILLIAMS

By Oboh Agbonkhese

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ROFESSOR Grace AleleWilliams, former Vice Chancellor of University of Benin, UNIBEN, has accused journalists of treating Nigerian politicians as demi-gods, rather than subject them to critical evaluation.

Speaking at a briefing by the

Initiative for Moral Rectitude in Society, IMRS, in Lagos, yesterday, Alele-Williams, who is the Vice Chairman of the body, said after creating the “political class,” journalists failed to set parameters for person in that class.

Earlier in his address, Chief Philip Asiodu, IMRS Chairman, expressed

ON GOOD GOVERNANCE: From left— Chief Philip Asiodu, Chairman, Initiative for Moral Rectitude in Society, IMRS; Professor Grace Alele-Williams, Vice Chairman, and Real Admiral Andrew Okoja (retd), at the IMRS' briefing on Promoting Good Governance in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: Oboh Agbonkhese.

Fuel scarcity blamed on CBN policies

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INEC commended on polls shift

PERATORS in the oil and gas sector have blamed the ongoing fuel scarcity witnessed across the country on the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s directives to financial institutions.

According to the operators, who chose not to be named, in late December 2014, with oil prices falling, CBN directed all banks to reduce transactions with oil and gas companies due to pending liquidity issues and fiscal challenges in meeting the vast funding demands of oil and gas companies.

The communiqué, the operators said, was sent out on

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Oil firm launches new product

HE Riverine Peace Initiative in Niger Delta, a socio-political organization, has applauded the decision

by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to postpone the general elections so the military, in collaboration with neighbouring countries’ security forces, can combat the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.

Addressing newsmen in Bayelsa State during a sensitization programme held for youths on the need to shun violence during the elections, Mr. Toluwa Mulade stressed on the need for youths to come out en mass to cast their votes.

disappointment at the degree of violence during election campaigns despite the nonviolent pact signed by the presidential candidates of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and All Progressives Congress.

He said: “We appeal to all political parties to respect the terms of the pact and to

H

ONEYWELL Oil & Gas Limited recently unveiled its full synthetic engine oil, the Honeywell Synlube 5W-40, into the Nigeria energy market.

Present at the unveiling ceremony in Lagos are members of auto mechanics association, auto service centres, vehicle manufacturing companies and stakeholders in the oil and gas sectors.

Honeywell synlube 5W-40 is designed to deliver extended drain interval adequately protecting vehicle engine and minimizes deposits in the engine and turbo charger, ensuring that the engine produces its rated power and torque.

the back of a recent risk-based supervision exercise which highlighted the financial industry’s level of exposure to the oil and gas sector combined with existing risk management deficiencies, and the necessary steps to ensure that banks have sufficient capital buffers to mitigate escalating risk-taking activities.

They said: “Additionally, CBN recently closed the retail Dutch Auction System/ wholesale Dutch Auction System, rDAS/wDAS, segment of the foreign exchange market, and quoted an exchange rate of N198,

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Chairman Honeywell Group, Dr. Oba Otudeko, represented by Dr. Teddy Ngu, Head, Corporate Development & Investment, Honeywell Group, said: “The Honeywell synlube 5W-40, which is of the API SN/CF, category is a full synthetic premium engine oil designed for ultimate engine performance, formulated from the finest quality synthetic base stocks and an excellent blend of chemical additives.

“The product keeps your vehicle engine running like new, delivers extended oil drain interval and reduces deposit formation, giving considerable savings.”

inferring a naira devaluation at the interbank foreign exchange market and further prompting pressure on the nation’s currency.

“The apex bank also banned commercial banks from re-selling CBN dollars to other banks in an attempt to end naira speculation, and by scrapping its window of direct sale of foreign exchange to end users has directed that all foreign exchange needs are to be sourced from the interbank market, which has rate ranging from N197 to N198 to $1.

“Consequently, the CBN’s actions have led to precautionary measures taken by marketers on the importation of products, and a larger reliance on product allocation by the Pipeline Product Marketing Company, PPMC, the marketing entity of NNPC, which said it had injected a further 688 million litres of PMS into the market to alleviate the ongoing shortage.”

They said marketers now face the challenge of fund sourcing, letters of credit and, more critically, restrictions on the purchase of Forex to enable the steady flow of product importation and that they will find it very difficult to function without the appropriate fiscal backing required from commercial banks and CBN in particular.

discuss issues and propose practicable programmes, which will address the severe challenges confronting the country.

“They must begin to look ahead, beyond the elections, to how to promote national consensus on the measures required to drastically reduce cost of seeking political offices and cost of governance.”

On her part, Alele-Williams said: “The Nigerian media have created a ‘political class’ without setting the benchmark, values and criteria for belonging to that class. The result is that politicians that have not done anything for their constituents are given publicity.”

A member of IMRS, Rear Admiral Andrew Okoja (retd) lauded the armed forces for their professionalism and support of the country’s democracy.

Urhobo youths want recruitment at PTI stopped

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HE leadership of apex Urhobo youth body, Urhobo Progress Union Youth Wing, also known as Ighele, led by Mr. Ovie Igho, has called on the relevant authorities to cancel the ongoing recruitment at the Petroleum Training Institute, PTI, if what they described as marginalization of Urhobo nation was not corrected.

Mr. Igho told newsmen in Warri: “We are calling for outright cancellation of the ongoing recruitment as it is against the collective good of the Urhobo people.

“We also call for a review of the staff structure of the institute in line with the local content act and catchment area policy to ascertain the position of Urhobo.”

Igho decried what he described as selfishness on the part of Urhobo leaders regarding the PTI recruitment, adding that what Urhobo needed was a collective agitation rather than individualistic or back door arrangements, which would only profit few family members and friends.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015— 55

By Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA—FIFTEEN political parties and five presidential candidates participating in the forth coming elections, yesterday, opposed the proposed use of card readers in accrediting voters by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the elections.

The aggrieved parties and candidates, said the use of the electronic devices would not only be against the 1999 Constitution but also the 2010 Electoral Act (As amended) which proscribed

POLLS: 15 political parties, 5 presidential candidates threaten boycott over card readers electronic voting in the country.

They, therefore, threatened not to participate in the elections if the INEC insists on using card readers, saying they “observed some obvious but dangerous developments in the proposed use of card readers” by the commission for the conduct of the elections.

At a press conference in Abuja,

the parties and candidates, speaking through spokesperson and Acting National Chairman of Advanced Congress of Democrats, ACD, Dr Onwubuya Breakforth, said “these important observation, if not well considered by the commission, has the propensity to derail the 2015 polls.”

Reading a prepared text to

SCREENING: Senator Abdullai Adamu chatting with ministerial nominee from Nasarawa State, Senator Patricia Akwashiki, while Senator Solomon Ewuga watches shortly after the screening of the nominee at the National Assembly, Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

APC senatorial candidate refuses to sign peace fact in Jigawa ...Says its for security reason

By Tina Akannam

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UTSE—A senatorial candidate contesting

under the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Jigawa State, Alhaji Ubale Shitu, has explained why he refused to

LAGOS-BENIN HIGHWAY AUTOCRASH: Customs consoles victims' families

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By Ifeyinwa Obi

AGOS—THE Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit, FOU Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, has commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives last Thursday, after a commercial Hiace bus with number plate EDO AKA 35 LG, carrying 19 bales of second-hand clothings, in which they were travelling was knockedoff the Lagos-Benin highway during a hot chase by an operational vehicle driven by its operatives.

Three ladies aged between 25 and 30 years died at the scene of the crash, even as their remains have been deposited to an undisclosed morgue in Ogun State.

The Public Relations Officer of the unit, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, DSC Uche Ejesieme, who spoke on behalf of the service said: “Our hearts, thoughts and prayers goes to the families of all those who lost their dear ones in that unfortunate incident. We strongly believe in the sanctity and sacredness of life, that is why for us no life is worth losing in our quest

to perform our statutory function.”

Explaining how the incident happened, Ejesieme said: “However, the fact of the case is that a headquarters monitoring team along the Ijebu-Ode/Itele axis of Ogun State, while on information patrol on Thursday last week, tried to flag down a commercial Hiace bus which they had earlier gotten information was carrying suspected offending items. The driver instead of subjecting himself to routine checks, suddenly diverted to the other lane of the expressway and was driving dangerously against the traffic.

“The driver in his desperate bid to avoid lawful checks and coupled with his reckless driving, entered into a ditch and somersaulted resulting into loss of lives. As soon as it happened, the patrol team quickly got in touch with the Police in Ogun State who assisted in conveying the initial two dead bodies to a nearby morgue.''

sign peace accord alongside Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidate at the state police command, yesterday.

Alhaji Shitu, a former deputy governor in the state, who was the only APC candidate at the meeting that refused to accent his signature, said his refusal was for security reasons.

According to him, he had consulted his lawyers and had been advised not to signed any agreement because nobody has power to control large number supporters during and even after the elections.

Though he did not give reasons why the two senatorial candidates of the APC, Sabo Nakudu and Alhaji Abdullahi Ojo did not turn up for the peace signing ceremony, he said his not signing the peace accord was his personal decision and not that of the party.

However, three senatorial flag bearers of the PDP in the state, Alhaji Abdulmumini Zareku, Jigawa Central, Senator Danladi Sankara, Jigawa North, and Alhaji Adamu Sarawa, attended and signed the peace fact documents.

All efforts by the state Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Muhammad Tilli to make the APC candidate sign the document was resisted.

newsmen, Dr Breakforth, said: “The card reader is a device which is susceptible to manipulations to favour particular candidates and in the process, disenfranchise many registered Nigerian voters or potential election winners.”

He added: “The concept of using card readers for these coming elections as being planned by INEC, has a lot of implications which may negatively impact on the conduct of a credible, free and fair elections on March 28 and April 11.

“The first drawback is that this device is relatively a new technology that has not been tested or tried in a kind of mock election or previous formal elections prior to this time. This would have enabled the nation and the electoral umpire itself, to properly ascertain its workability and efficiency in the conduct of the real general elections.

“The decision by INEC to commence the test-run of the use of Card Readers in some of select states across the country on Saturday March 7, 2015, just less than three weeks to the commencement of the rescheduled election, would not provide the commission enough time to rectify whatever anomaly that would likely arise from that exercise.

He noted that if the card reader should develop some technical

problems, there was a possibility that the consequences of such development would affect about forty fifty percent of the polling booths nationwide.

“Because of the tendency of the card reader device to develop some technical fault any time during the voters accreditation process, that was the reason why all the political parties agreed with INEC recently, that the election should be postponed in polling booths where a substantial number of card reader defaults were recorded because it would disrupt the entire election process. That goes to show that the card reader cannot be fully trusted for the conduct of the election.

“The case of Senators Chris Ngige and Enyinnaya Abaribe, whose bonafide voters cards were not captured by the card reader device was a clear case of the technical fault which the card reader is susceptible to,”he added.

He stressed that the card reader was already programmed for particular polling booths and the device was supposed to be used for that particular polling unit which it was programmed, regretting that so far, that has not been the case.”

Three of the political parties leaders who signed the statement on behalf of the parties include, the national chairman of the MEGA Progressive Peoples Party, MPPP, Prince Dare Falade, presidential candidate, Peoples Party of Nigeria, PPN, Prince Dr Kelvin Chinedu Opumu Alagoa, Alliance for Democracy, AD, Dr. Rafiu Salau.

Benue Commissioner, Chia is dead

By Peter Duru

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AKURDI—BENUE State Commissioner for Rural Development and Cooperatives, Mr. Aondowase Chia is dead.

Chia died, yesterday at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, in Makurdi.

Vanguard learnt the late commissioner performed his last official assignment, Tuesday morning, at the state Assembly where he defended his ministry’s budget for the year 2015.

It was gathered that the late

commissioner had after that assignment returned to his office around 3p.m.

“He entered the inner room of his office to relax, only for his personal assistant who had gone in to inform him of a visitor that was waiting for him, to discover that he was lying unconscious on the floor.

“He was immediately rushed to BSUTH where he was admitted and on checking his blood pressure, it was found to 180/250, His condition eventually worsened early yesterday, when he gave up the ghost,” an aide to the commissioner said.

APC candidate holds interactive session tomorrow The statement added that the

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OS—THE All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Plateau State, Mr Simon Lalong, will hold an interactive session with all stakeholders in justice sector tomorrow in Jos. A statement from his campaign office said the interactive session earlier scheduled for last weekend was cancelled in honour of victims of last week’s twin bomb blast.

meeting, though primarily for stakeholders in the justice sector, will accommodate interested members of the public.

The statement said the campaign rally for Jos North Local Government Area will hold on Saturday.

Lalong met with members of Jos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, where he informed them of his intention to contest the governorship election.

They pledged to support him.

56— VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MARCH 5 , 2015

ISIS: Iranian backed force poised to retake Tikrit I

RAQI forces a p p e a r e d Wednesday to be making progress on the third day of a major offensive intended to push ISIS fighters out of the city of Tikrit.

The Iraqi soldiers are reportedly approaching the city from five directions, as they seek to prevent ISIS militants from either escaping from Tikrit or sending in reinforcements to bolster its defense.

The operation is part of a wide-scale offensive to retake Tikrit and Salahuddin province ordered by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Sunday.

It has highlighted the role played by neighboring Iran in the fight against ISIS, at a time when the United States and five other world powers are negotiating with Tehran

on a controversial deal to curb its nuclear program.

The semiofficial Iranian FARS news agency reports that Qassim Sulaimani, the commander of the elite Iranian Al-Quds Brigade, is helping oversee the operation to retake Tikrit.

Iran has provided advisers, weapons and ammunition to the Iraqi government. According to the Pentagon, there may be Iranians operating heavy artillery and rocket launchers as well.

Despite the reported Iranian assistance, the Iraqi forces face no easy

task as they seek to advance on Tikrit.

Besides the direct threat posed by ISIS fighters, they must also avoid the large numbers of homemade bombs that litter the approaches to the city.

Iraq has not asked the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS to provide air cover for the operation to retake Tikrit.

ISIS released a number of propaganda images Wednesday, showing several vehicles and dozens of ISIS militants with their weapons, which it said were part of a military reinforcement of Salahuddin province.

Japan’s WW2 ‘Musashi battleship wreck found’ A M E R I C A N billionaire Paul Allen has announced the discovery of the famous

World War Two Japanese battleship, the Musashi, more than 70 years after it was sunk by US forces.

Boston bombing suspect’s attorney admits he did it

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ZHOKHAR Ts a r n a e v ’ s attorney made one thing clear during her opening statement in the Boston Marathon bombing trial: He did it.

“It was him,” defense attorney Judy Clarke told jurors. Tsarnaev did carry the pressure cooker bombs on April 15, 2013, and placed them near the finish line, she said. He was there when a police officer was killed. He was involved in a shootout with police.

The accused bomber will not sidestep any of his actions, Clarke said.

So, why even a trial at all?

Because there’s disagreement over why Tsarnaev did it, Clarke said.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was influenced by his brother, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, Clarke said. He was enlisted by his

Some victims of Boston bombings at the first day of the trial yesterday. brother to commit these horrific acts, she said.

The first day of the trial provided jurors with a peek at the strategies of the prosecution and defense.

Based on their opening statements, both sides agree on the basic facts around the attacks — who

carried them out and how.

But both sides presented divergent views of why Dzhokhar Tsarnaev carried out the attacks. The goal of the Tsarnaev brothers was to kill as many people as possible, U.S. prosecutor Bill Weinreb said during his

Putin urges end to political killings

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USSIA’S President Vladimir Putin has called for an end to “shameful” political killings in Russia, after the shooting of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov just outside the Kremlin walls.

He said the most serious attention should be paid to high-profile crimes.

Anxious families of dead Ukrainians miners gathered yesterday in Zasyadko.

The former deputy prime minister, 55, was murdered on Friday night and buried in Moscow on Tuesday.

The motive is unknown, but Mr Putin’s aides have rejected suggestions that he had any involvement.

Mr Nemtsov, who had been planning a march against the conflict in eastern Ukraine, said

recently that he feared the president would have him killed because of his opposition to the war.

Marchers, some chanting “Russia without Putin”, blamed the assassination on a climate of hatred fostered by the Kremlin and its supporters towards opponents of its Ukraine policy.’

Mr Allen said the vessel was found by his private exploration team. It was at a depth of more than 1km (3,280ft) on the floor of the Sibuyan Sea off the Philippines.

The Musashi and its sister vessel, the Yamato, were two of the largest battleships ever built.

US warplanes sank the Musashi on 24 October 1944 during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, believed to be the biggest naval encounter of World War Two in which American and Australian forces

defeated the Japanese.

Mr Allen announced the discovery on his Twitter page, which also showed photos of the submerged vessel.

He began his search for the Musashi eight years ago, “because since my youth I have been fascinated with Second World War history,” he was quoted

by CNBC as saying.

The Musashi was found in the middle of the Philippine archipelago using an A u t o n o m o u s Underwater Vehicle

(AUV) after Mr Allen’s team had carried out a thorough survey of the seabed.

Attacking aircraft The US Navy website describes the Musashi as a “mighty battleship” that had “mammoth 18-inch guns”. Measuring 263m (862ft) it remains one of the largest battleships ever made.

Its twin ship, the Yamato, was damaged in the fighting, according to the US Navy, and American warships finally sank it a year later as it tried to get to Okinawa.

Islamic State’ll stop at nothing to boost presence in Libya —UN

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SLAMIC State militants will “stop at nothing” to strengthen their presence in Libya and the urgency of a request by the country for international help to tackle the extremists should not be underestimated, a top United Nations official said on Wednesday.

U.N. special envoy Bernadino Leon briefed the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Libya, where two rival governments and their armed forces are battling for control four years after the civil war that ousted Muammar Gaddafi.

Islamist militants have bolstered their foothold in the North African state amid the chaos and on Tuesday stormed two

oilfields, driving out security forces.

“I have no doubt that terrorists groups, such as Islamic State, will stop at nothing in their bid to play on existing political divisions... to consolidate

their own presence and influence in Libya,” Leon told the 15-member council.

He said the international community should be ready to support Libyan efforts to tackle terrorismand extremism.

US will not charge Ferguson cop

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HE US Justice Department has said it will not charge former Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson over the killing of black teenager Michael Brown.

But the same department has accused city’s police and court system of widespread racial bias.

The investigation found no evidence to disprove

Mr Wilson’s testimony that he feared for his safety or other evidence enough to bring civil rights charges.

A Missouri grand jury also declined to charge him with murder in November.

The decision over civil rights charges in the 9 August shooting was expected given the high legal standard required for a civil rights prosecution.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MARCH 5 , 2015 —57

‘First human’ discovered in Ethiopia S

CIENTISTS have unearthed the jawbone of what they claim is one of the very first humans.

The 2.8 million-year-old specimen is 400,000 years older than researchers thought that our kind first emerged.

The discovery in Ethiopia suggests climate change spurred the transition from tree dweller to upright walker The head of the research team told BBC News that the find gives the first insight into “the most important transitions in human evolution”.

Prof Brian Villmoare of the University of Nevada in Las Vegas said the discovery makes a clear link between an iconic 3.2 million-year-old hominin (human-like primate) discovered in the same

The fossil found in Ethiopia area in 1974, called “Lucy”. Could Lucy’s kind - which belonged to the species Australopithecus afarensis - have evolved into the very first primitive humans?

“That’s what we are arguing,” said Prof Villmoare.

But the fossil record between the time period when Lucy and her kin were alive and the

emergence of Homo erectus (with its relatively large brain and humanlike body proportions) two million years ago is sparse.

The 2.8 million-year-old lower jawbone was found in the Ledi-Geraru research area, Afar Regional State, by Ethiopian student Chalachew Seyoum. He told BBC News that he was “stunned” when he saw the fossil.

Mugabe sued by former Zanu-PF allies

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IMBABWE President Robert Mugabe has been sued for wrongful dismissal by two former ruling party senior officials.

The pair were expelled from the party in December and February for allegedly supporting a plot against him.

Ruagare Gumbo and Didymus Mutasa have filed papers in the High Court of Zimbabwe seeking an order to reinstate them into ZanuPF. Mr Gumbo told the BBC that President Mugabe was a “dictator” and that he should step down.

In an unprecedented

move, they are seeking that the court also strike down reforms that President Mugabe brought in at the party conference last December.

If successful, the president’s two former stalwarts would call for an extraordinary congress of the party where a new leader could be elected to replace the 91 year old.

Speaking to the BBC’s Brian Hungwe, Mr Gumbo, a former ZanuPF spokesman, said he might set up his own political party if the court challenge failed.

Even if the pair do win back their places, Mr

Gumbo says it would be impossible to work with President Mugabe, “There is no basis of working with him, he is a dictator. He tells you what to do, if you don’t then he fires you. So how can I work with a man like that?” he told the BBC The former party spokesman does not believe that President Mugabe is fully in control of his party and that the president’s wife, Grace Mugabe, is now “running the show”.

Last week, Mr Mugabe denied such claims, saying his wife was not the “power behind my throne”.

Libya oil fields seized by militants

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SLAMIST militants are reported to have seized two oil fields in central Libya, as rival groups fight for control of the country.

Forces guarding the Bahi and Mabruk sites retreated after running out of ammunition.

It is not clear which group seized the oil

fields.

Libya’s internationally recognised government in Tobruk and its rivals Libya Dawn also conducted air strikes on each other’s positions.

Libya has been without an effective government since Muammar Gaddafi was ousted in 2011.

Mabruk, about 310

Lesotho opposition parties form coalition govt

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IVE opposition parties in Lesotho have formed a new coalition government after snap elections over the weekend failed to produce an outright winner.

The poll was intended to ease tensions after an attempted coup last August.

The All Basotho Convention of outgoing Prime Minister Thomas Thobane came second with 46 seats.

Pakalitha Mosisili’s Democratic Congress was narrowly ahead with 47 seats and formed a majority of 61 with other smaller parties Even though politicians showed a level of maturity during the elections, Lesotho still faces underlying unresolved issues that trigged last year’s crisis.

miles (500km) east of Tripoli, is one of Libya’s biggest oil fields.

It had been closed for some weeks because of violence and a slow-down of exports.

“Extremists took control of the Bahi and Mabruk fields and are now heading to seize the Dahra field following the retreat of the forces guarding these sites,” said Colonel Ali al-Hassi, a spokesman for the oil industry security service.

A gun attack on Mabruk in February left 11 people dead.

At the time witnesses said the attackers had claimed to be from a militia which has joined Islamic State.

The Islamic State militia, which controls the town of Derna, has not commented.

58—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

INSURGENCY: Some Nigerians might become stateless— NHRC

By Emman Ovuakporie & Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA—THE National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, declared yesterday, that many Nigerians may soon become stateless due to the activities of Boko Haram.

Executive Secretary of the commission, Professor Ben Angwe, who was speaking during a budget defence session before the House of Representatives committee on human rights said: “There are some Nigerians that are stateless.

“With the emerging terrorists’ activities, many Nigerians are at the risk of being stateless.”

Professor Angwe said as citizens are displaced by the insurgency, they cross over to neighbouring countries, but that as they return to Nigeria, they do not have any form of identification even as they are not recognized in their countries of refuge as citizens.

On the level of human rights violation in the country, Angwe said 2014 was a bad year for the country as it recorded the highest number of human right violations.

Mrs Akpabio takes campaign to grassroots

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HE grassroots-meetthe-women campaign tour of the wife of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio, yesterday, recorded a huge success in Oruk Anam, Ukanafun, Etim Ekpo and Ika as the women of the areas assured the governor ’s wife that their permanent voter’s cards, PVC, were all intact to vote PDP. Those who spoke at the Ikot Ibritam council headquarters, venue of the campaign rally for Oruk Anam, representatives of the women including the wife of the council chairman, Mrs. Edima Anthony Akpan; wife of the deputy speaker, Lady Ime Kierian; and wife of the paramount ruler of the area Obongawan, Lady Owoto, among others.

In their goodwill messages, the chairman of Oruk Anam, Mr. Anthony Akpan and a political chieftain of the area, Sir. Vitalis Unang, the Special Adviser, Bureau of Labour and Public Service Matters, Mr. Godwin Udom, vowed that Oruk Anam was behind PDP.

He said: “In 2014, Nigeria witnessed the highest cases of human rights violation activities. Children were abducted, many were killed; many cannot go to school and economic activities came to a standstill.

“We also witnessed a situation where Nigeria was registered on the map of refugees and IDPs. But despite that, the country remains on record of human rights protection.”

He said, however, that despite insecurity challenges, the commission had about 300 monitors of human rights violations in Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, Taraba and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. National commissioner of the refugees’ commission, Hadiza Sani Kangiwa, in his presentation, revealed that based on their records, there are about 968,219 IDPs in various camps in the country, while 60,000 Nigerians are seeking asylum in Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

Kangiwa expressed worry about reported cases of abuses at IDPs camps, saying “we do not have any business establishing camps for IDPs in the country.

“People should not be kept on a camp for more than a month. With that, people will have an idea of having their needs taken care of.

Mallam Garba Shehu, Director of Publicity, Buhari/Osinbajo Presidential Campaign Organization (left) and Alhaji Lai Muhammed, Publicity Secretary, All Progressives Congress, APC, during a briefing in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

From left: Magnus Mchunguzi, Managing Director, Ericsson South Africa; Thabo Mbeki, former South African President and Andrew Rugege, Regional Director, International Telecommunication Union, ITU, office for Africa, during the Ericsson African Night at the 2015 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. PHOTO: Emeka Aginam.

CBN establishes N300bn fund for manufacturers, others

By Babajide Komolafe

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday, announced the establishment of N300 billion fund, which allows newly-established manufacturing companies to borrow up to N10 billion for 15 years at single digit interest rate.

The apex bank said the fund, called Real Sector Support Facility, RSSF, will be used to support large enterprises for start-ups and expansion financing needs of a minimum of N500 million up to a maximum of N10 billion.

The real sector activities targeted by the facility are manufacturing, agricultural value chain and selected service sub-sectors.

Objectives

The operational guidelines for the facility released yesterday stated: “The objectives of the facility are to improve access to Nigerian

SMEs to fast-track the development of the manufacturing, agricultural value chain and services subsectors of the Nigerian economy: “Increase output, generate employment, diversify the revenue base, increase foreign exchange earnings and provide input for the industrial sector on a sustainable basis.

Small and Medium Scale Enterprise, SMEs, defined as an entity with an asset base, excluding land, of between N5 million and N500 million and with labour force of between 11 and 300.

“Other activities covered under the facility are agricultural value chain (non-primary production) and services.”

Target sector

Criteria

“The activities to be covered under the facility are new, startups and or expansion projects in manufacturing: any entity is adjudged to be a manufacturer if it is involved in the production and processing of tangible goods, fabricates, deploys, plants, machinery or equipment to deliver goods or provide infrastructure to facilitate economic activity in the real sector; and such entity must not be involved in the financial services industry.

“The manufacturers include

On criteria for accessing the loan, the guidelines stated: “A borrower shall meet the following criteria to be eligible: any entity falling within the definition of an SME and/or manufacturer; an entity wholly-owned and managed by a Nigerian private limited company registered under the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990; A legal business operated as a sole proprietorship; be a member of the relevant organized private sector

associations such as MAN, NASME, NACCIMA, NASSI, and so on.”

Payback

The guidelines stated further that the “loan amount is minimum of N500 million up to a maximum of N10 billion for a single obligor. Any amount above N10 billion requires the special approval of management.

“The facility shall be administered at an all-in interest rate of nine percent per annum, payable on quarterly basis.

“Specifically, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, shall be entitled to earn three percent as interest and the banks, a six percent spread.

“Loans shall have a maximum tenor of 15 years, depending on the complexity of the project and shall terminate on 31st December 31, 2030. Each project tenor shall be determined in relation to its cash flow and life of the underlying collateral.

Repayments under this facility shall be amortized.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015 —59

African juniors: Nigerian athletes full of expectations

By Ben Efe

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IGERIAN junior athletes have arrived Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the African Junior Championships, with the hope of wining medals in their respective events in the face of expected challenges from the host country Ethiopia, South Africa and Kenya.

Nigeria won the 11th edition in Mauritius by a slim margin, but as athletes from 41 African countries gather in Addis Ababa for the competition which began yesterday, there is a genuine anxiety by

Athletics Federation of Nigeria officials, if that position could still be maintained.

“Other countries are fast catching up with us.

This is why we have included some of our tested juniors like Ese Brume, Amusan Oluwatobiloba, Divine Oduduru and Akerele Omezie, who are still within the age category.

“We want to win in Ethiopia,” said a technical committee official before the team left on Tuesday.

Back home, the first AFN All-Comers meet will take place at the National Stadium Abuja

on March 14. This arrangement canceled out the earlier advertised OverDistance competition in Sapele.

According to AFN technical director Omatseye Nesiama, the competition would serve as a basis to assess the athletes form in view of the World Relays for May and other upcoming International Athletics events for 2015.

The team left on Tuesday, with the Sports Ministry unable to provide financial backing for the delegation.

Enyeama prepares for Lile exit

•Enyeama

Super Eagles keeper, Vincent Enyeama may be forced to leave Lile at the end of the season as the French Club is looking to sell off their top stars in order to service debts.

Lile, is facing mounting debts due to the cost of building a new Stadium and according to club president, Michel Seydoux; Enyeama could be one of the players to go.

Delta Federations Cup gets venues

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HE draw for the 2015 Federations Cup in Delta State will come up tomorrow at the Conference Hall of Warri City Stadium.

Newly elected chairman of Delta FA, former Super Eagles captain, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha dropped the hint at the Murtala M o h a m m e d International Airport, Lagos, on his way to London for a capacity building programme, a package sponsored by Taleveras Foundation in partnership with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), to ensure that science is applied in football in the technical areas.

According to programme of event released by DFA Secretary, Mr. Friday Onothoja, yesterday,

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four venues, Jay-Jay Okocha Stadium Ogwashi-Uku, OtuJeremi, Oleh and Ughelli Township Stadium will hold matches during the competition.

Onothoja further revealed that this is the 16th year of Ecobank’s sponsorship of Delta FA Cup, a partnership he described as the longest, not only in Nigeria FA history, but also in Africa south of the Sahara.

He said: “Ecobank, no doubt, is a responsible financial institution that does not pay lip services to its corporate social responsibility. The youths and football loving Nigerians, especially those in Delta State, hold the bank in high esteem.”

“If the club ask me to leave, because they want to keep low wage players that is fine with me. I will thank them for everything. I want to make history with the club, but it is not me who will determine whether I stay or not.

“I am happy here with my family and everything feels good and with all pleasure I would to stay,” Enyeama told Le Parisien.

Enyeama who is the penalty taker of his team is highly rated in the French league. He has been linked with a move to Liverpool.

AFRICAN DELIGHT...Zeyituna Mohammed Aliyi and Edau Durets Olti running at the maiden African Youth Championships in Warri Delta State.

Lagos Federation Cup kicks off Saturday

By Jacob Ajom

B

ARING any unforeseen circumstances, the 2015 Lagos State Federation Cup begins this weekend with the rookies matches holding at Agege Sports Stadium.

•Okocha

Draw for the competition held at the SWAN secretariat yesterday and the main competition would be involving 32 clubs.

Before the commencement of the competition proper, eight unseeded teams will vie for four spots in the main draw.

According to the draw, the defending champions, AS Racine will begin the defence of their title with a top of the bill clash against Bridge Boys FC on a yet to be announced date.

Chairman of Lagos FA, Seyi Akinwumi told a crowded press conference that winners of the competition in the male category will cart home a giant trophy and a cash prize of N750,000, while runners

up will earn N250 for their effort.

The women champion will be given N300,000 and N200 for the runners up.

The final of the competition comes up on Easter Sunday, April 5.

•Akinwumi

Ex-Bayelsa Sports Commissioner loses wife

F

ORMER Bayelsa S t a t e Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Opukiri Jones-Ere has lost his wife,.Princess Hadiza Jones-ERe to the cold hands of death.

According to JonesEre, who until recently was the Special Assistant on Marketing and Business Development to the Sports Minister, Dr.

Tammy Danagogo, she died on Friday, February 27, 2015 after a brief illness.

The former Commissioner said the remains of the mother of two will be interred at the Port Harcourt cemetery after a Commendation Service at No. 3 William Jumbo street, Old GRA, Port Harcourt on Friday, March 6, 2015.

60— Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

NFF wants F/Eagles to win AYC T

HE Nigeria F o o t b a l l Federation (NFF) has tasked the Flying Eagles to win the 2015 AYC in Senegal.

NFF deputy secretary general Emmanuel Ikpeme told the Senegal-bound Flying Eagles at their Serob Legacy Hotel in Wuye, Abuja, yesterday that the entire country was looking up to them to win the continent’s U20 championship in Senegal.

“On behalf of the president of the NFF, I wish to congratulate the

players who made the final squad to the AYC in Senegal,” began Ikpeme in a very passionate address to the team.

“The President is particularly delighted that the bulk of the squad to Senegal are from the team who won the U17 World Cup two years ago.

“The target to the team therefore is for the team to win the AYC and confirm that winning the U17 World Cup was not a fluke.

He added: “Your first match will be against the hosts country Senegal and do not expect it to be

an easy match but we believe you are up to the task going by what you showed in your recent test matches in Ghana.

“We should not take any match or opponent for granted and so you should resolve as a team to make Nigeria happy and proud in Senegal.”

Flying Eagles coach Manu Garba assured the NFF the team are fired up for glory in Senegal.

“We as a team always want to win every game we play and that is the attitude we will take to the AYC,” Manu.

“We will not underrate any team in Senegal, but we are confident we will do the nation proud.”

...Elegbeleye too T

•Awoniyi

N1.6m scholarship excites Mobil ......you can imagine one championship athletes of you here winning three

T

HE news that over 1.6m naira is up for grabs has excited students currently vying for top spots in the 14th AKS/NNPC/MPN Schools Athletics Championships billed for the Akwa Ibom International Stadium Uyo on Saturday, March 7 Briefing the students yesterday at the camp venue opened to prepare them for the championship, the camp commandant Dr Lucia Ituen informed them that the in addition to the prospect of winning and laying a good foundation

for themselves in track and field, there are immediate gains to be reaped. “ .......let me inform all of you that the sponsors of this programme, the NNPC/MPN Joint Venture have set aside over N1.6m cash as supplementary scholarship grant to those who will win their various events on Saturday. Every first prize winner is expected to go home with N30, 000 cash, second prize N20,000 and third prizeN 10,000” As the students applauded, she added”

Amodu

Continues from BP have seen so far, I don’t know what words to use but the contract can be described as a ‘slave contract’’, Keshi had said sparking controversies from different quarters in Nigeria. ‘’If there are grey areas in the contract, he knows how best to sort them out with his employers. It is not the first time coaches are signing contracts. They don’t cry over the contracts. They iron out things with them.

Anyway, I’ve seen the contract and I think that it is a workable contract for him’’, Amodu maintained.

Amodu who was the first indigenous coach to qualify Nigeria to the World Cup(2002 alongside Keshi as his assistant) also poured water on rumours that he was plotting to come back and lead the Super Eagles. ‘’I’ll never come back to coach the national team. My present job as Technical Director is challenging enough for me’’, he said.

events and going home with N90,000. That, if you ask me is a lot of money” The one-off scholarship grant was introduced to the programme ten years ago to help the students with their academical challenges and to alleviate the burden on their parents.

On Tuesday, the students reported to camp and it was a beehive of activities as the eager students got accreditted and expressed delight at the quality of kits distributed.

Continues from BP

HE Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye has urged the Flying Eagles of Nigeria to work hard on and off the field of play to win the 2015 Africa Youth Championship that would commence in Senegal on Sunday.

The sports administrator said that he believed in the talents of the players and the capacity of the team and its technical crew led by Manu Garba to put up splendid performances in the matches that would be played and also win those matches too.

“In as much as the Flying Eagles is

grouped in what people say is a group of death but we have absolute trust in the capabilities of the Nigerian players to do well in the Championship. Yes the Flying Eagles will slug it out with host nation Senegal that is also a strong footballing nation in Africa but we believe the Flying Eagles will start well by beating the host to send jitters to the spines of other equally strong teams like Ivory

Coast and Congo that are also in Group A. “I have been following the Chief Coach of this team and his assistants since they took over this team and I am impressed with their build up to this stage. So I have absolute confidence in the team to first win the U- 20 World Cup ticket by getting to the semi-final stage after which I also believe they can win the Cup”, he disclosed

NFF

N500,000 as transport allowance.

Also part of the deal which analysts have said is annoying Keshi is the fact that contrary to his expectations, he is to report to the technical director of the NFF, he must not grant press interviews without the express permission of his employers. While he is free to select any player he believes can add value to the national team, he must do so in agreement with the technical committee of the NFF. ‘We agreed that the contract we gave Keshi is a workable one which

we believe will be beneficial to not just him but also to the entire nation. We were very considerate before arriving at that document and I hope that the coach will react to it quickly so that he can resume work without further delay”.

Keshi was said to have hoped on getting a pay rise to about N7 million naira monthly as well as the free hand to select his players. He is also not happy with the clause which makes him subservient to the technical committee as he doesn’t want to report to anybody except the president of the NFF.

•Elegbeleye

Nwosu Continues from BP appears he want to hang on there,” Nwosu said.

The former Super Eagles assistant coach advised his friend and the NFF to stop e m b a r r a s s i n g themselves on the pages of newspapers. “NFF should sit down and discuss with Keshi.

These frequent newspaper reports are not helping either of them. They should be

able to resolve the matter without the press,” Nwosu said.

Nwosu, also spared a moment to discuss the Golden Eaglets performance at the just concluded African U-17 Chanpionship. “They must improve. I wasn’t too impressed with their performance against South Africa and Guine.

The coaches have a lot to do before the World Cup.” C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015 — 61

Lagos ITTF World Tour: Quadri, Meshref are top seeds

A

S the highest world-rated players listed for the competition, Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri and Egypt’s Dina Meshref have been seeded the top players in the men and women singles events of the International Table Tennis Federation (IT TF) World Tour tagged Lagos Open. In the seeding list released by the world table tennis ruling body, ITTF, Quadri who is rated 32 in the world is seeded number while his arch-rival and defending champion, Egypt’s Omar Assar is seeded number two while Assar’s compatriot, Mohammed El-Beiali is number three.

The absence of Nigeria’s Segun Toriola may

have paved the way for El-Beiali, who accounted for Quadri’s exit in the quarterfinal stage of the ITTF Africa Senior Championships to be seeded number three in the tournament.

Also listed in the top eight seeding list of the men’s singles are Portugal’s Andre Silva, Nigeria’s Boboye Oyeniyan, Egypt’s Khalid Assar, Nigeria’s Ojo Onaolapo and Togo’s Mawussi Agbetoglo.

Last year ’s runner’s up and ITTF Africa Senior Championship winner, Meshref tops the women’s top four seeding list. Nigeria’s Funke Oshonaike and Edem Offiong are seeded two and three respectively, while Russia’s Irina Ermakova is seeded fourth.

SET TO FLY.... Flying Eagles team looking hopeful as they jet out yesterday to Senegal 2015 African Youth Championship (AYC).

We have a formidable team to win W/Cup ticket — Ugbade

By Solomon Nwoke

T

HE national Un der-20 team, Flying Eagles flew to Senegal yesterday for this year ’s African Youth Championship (AYC) which kicks off on Sunday with one strong mission which is to pick one of the tickets to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in May in New Zealand.

Assistant coach of the team, Nduka Ugbade gave strong indication of the team’s readiness to pick one of the slots

•Ugbade to represent Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup when he spoke to Sports Vanguard on phone shortly before their de-

parture yesterday.

Ugbade who was part of the Golden Eaglets’ success story at the African U-17 and FIFA U17 World Cup in Morocco and Saudi Arabia respectively last year boasted they assembled a very formidable team that can stand the test in Senegal.

“We are very prepared and just like we did in Morocco during the CAF U-17 championship, our primary mission to this year’s AYC in Senegal is to pick a

World Cup ticket, then we shall concentrate on the AYC trophy which has been elusive to us for some years now. “ We have a very formidable team even without the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi, Chidiebere Nwakali, who could not be released by their clubs because the championship is not in FIFA’s calendar. That does not mean they won’t be part of the team if we qualify for the World Cup. We have a good representa-

tive to the championship”, said the first Eaglets Captain to win U17 World Cup in China 85.

Speaking ahead of their first game on Sunday against the host country, Senegal, Ugbade admitted that it would be a tough duel but, affirmed that they would as much as possible control the game technically and ensure that the outcome is controlled technically as well.

He said, “ against

host Senegal, we know that it is not going to be easy, but we’ll try and ensure that the outcome is positive.

Like we have done in he past, we may have the youngest team in the competition, but we are very formidable.

And like the chief coach, Manu Garba said, the World Cup ticket is paramount. We are going to take our game one after the other and ensure that we win the championship”.

OBJ SCORES! Former President Olusegun Obasanjo(78) scores in a novelty football match between Ogun State Governor’s Office team and Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library team held at MKO Abiola training pitch Kuto Abeokuta as part of activities marking his 78th birthday anniversary.

Photo: Wunmi Akinola C M Y K

62—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

Benteke happy with Albion victory

Ozil’s Arsenal player of the month for February

M

ESUT Ozil has been named Arsenal’s player of the month for February after an impressive few weeks for the Germany playmaker.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a good run of form for the north London club since returning from a knee injury at the start of the year.

He has won February ’s prize with just more than a third of the vote on Arsenal’s website, ahead of Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazor-

M

ATCH winner C h r i s t i a n Benteke has said he and everyone were ‘buzzing’ in the dressing room after our late penalty gave us victory against West Bromwich Albion last Tuesday’s night.

Following Gabby ’s opener, Benteke took the spotkick that balanced out the Stoke game and speaking to the Official Site following the match, he said of our first victory in the league since the Leicester game back in December.

‘It felt very good. It showed belief. We said in the dressing room before, we have to believe we can do it and we did it. I was very happy to help the team in this game. I wasn’t nervous because I had the same situation last season and the cooler you are, the easier it is to take penalties for me so I’m very happy to help the team.’

He goes on to say that all he was thinking as he stepped up was that he had to score and he had to bury - there was no choice, we needed the goal and we needed the points.

la.

Ozil scored twice and notched up three assists during February as Arsenal moved up to third place in the Premier League table.

He set up Olivier Giroud’s opening goal against Aston Villa, before doubling the lead after half-time. The World Cup winner also netted in the 2-1 north London derby defeat by Tottenham, and created goals for both Laurent Koscielny and Theo Walcott in the 2-1 win over Leicester City.

Poyet: No regret over clash

S

UNDERLAND manager Gus Poyet says he has no regrets over his touchline clash with Steve Bruce during the 1-1 draw against Hull.

The managers were involved in an altercation in the 35th minute of the match and had to be separated by a referee’s assistant.

It started when Poyet kicked a water bottle in

frustration at Jack Rodwell being booked for diving and was sent to the stands by referee Mike Dean.

On his way out of the dugout, Poyet tried to shake hands with Bruce, who reacted angrily and had to be restrained by the assistant.

“I think it is better to kick a bucket than say something you would regret after, so I have no regrets,” Poyet told Sky Sports. “If it’s a bad image for football I am really sorry but I don’t think it is something we should worry about.”

Sherwood aims to build on win

•Ozil

No decision on Falcao future M

•Poyet

ANCHESTER United are yet to make a decision on Radamel Falcao’s future despite reports to the contrary.

United won the hotly-

Win is crucial to season -- Koeman

S

OUTHAMPTON boss Ronald Koeman believes his team’s 1-0 over Crystal Palace thanks to a late winner could be a “key moment” in their season.

Sadio Mane ended Southampton’s goal drought by chipping over Julian Speroni after the Palace keeper could not hold James Ward-Prowse’s shot after 83 minutes.

Mane’s goal was Saints’ first in the league at St Mary’s in 387 minutes, and the Senegalese has scored in five of his last seven Premier League starts.

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•Koeman

contested race to sign Falcao on a season-long loan from Monaco last summer.

The Colombian was regarded as one of the best strikers in the world but has failed to sparkle at United so far, scoring just four goals in 20 appearances.

Reports in France yesterday claimed United had informed Monaco they would not be exercising their option to buy Falcao on a permanent #43million deal.

However, Press Association Sport understands that is not correct.

It is understood United manager Louis van Gaal will wait until May before deciding whether he wants to make the loan move for the 29-year-old permanent.

Despite a slow start, the Old Trafford hierarchy insisted at the turn of the year that Falcao would come good.

•Falcao

A

STON Villa boss Tim Sherwood is confident his team will take confidence from their 2-1 victory over West Brom into this weekend’s FA Cup clash.

The teams match up again on Saturday with Villa going into the game on a high after Christian Benteke’s lastminute penalty sealed Sherwood’s first victory since taking over last month.

The win lifted Villa out of the relegation zone ahead of tonight’s Premier League fixtures.

“Now the cup is the most important one as it’s the next one and we want to get to Wembley.

West Brom will have to improve to stop us getting there,” Sherwood said ahead of the Villa Park derby.

“I’m confident I’m telling them the right things to do but there is nothing like a win to cement things. Everyone can see we’re improving and the result is massive for us.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015 —63

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

Keshi should go – Nwosu

BY JACOB AJOM

F

ORMER Nigeria international and a contemporary of out-of-contract Super Eagles coach, Stephen

No booby traps in Keshi’s contract — Amodu

Keshi, coach Henry Nwosu has observed that his former team mate should be civil enough to read the mood of Nigerians and quit.

Nwosu who told Sports Vanguard that he was expressing his personal view, said if he were Keshi, he would have

since left the job because it appears Nigerians no longer want him.

“As a person, I would have since taken up another job. I want Keshi to read the mood of the people. The Nigerian populace don’t want him again but it Continues on Page 60

BY TONY UBANI

T

ECHNICAL Director of the Nigeria Football Federation and former Super Eagles coach Amodu Shuaibu has dismissed Stephen Keshi’s allegations that the NFF’s contract offered him was laden with booby traps. ‘’There are no booby traps in the contract. It is a workable contract.

Keshi is only crying wolf ’’ Shuaibu said on his way to London with 16 other coaches and former international players for capacity– enhancing exercise.

Keshi had raised alarm and described as “a slave contract” what has been offered him to continue as Super Eagles coach.

“From the clauses I Continues on Page 60

•Nwosu

•Amodu

•Pinnick

•Keshi

...As NFF insists on terms of contract

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) rose from its board meeting on Tuesday night resolving to, among other things, insist on the terms of contract it has offered to out-of-

contract coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi.

The meeting which was held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja at about 10 pm was also said to have deliberated on the crisis form some state football associations after the

elections which took place recently.

A reliable source at the meeting told Sports Vanguard on condition of anonymity that the board was unanimous in their resolve not to shift any ground on the terms of contract offered

Keshi.

Recall that the NFF had last week handed Keshi a two year contract proposal of which the former international has been reported to have described as ‘a slave contract’.

According to our source, some of the terms of the contract stipulate that the former Hawks of Togo tactician will earn a N5million naira monthly salary, another N3 million for accommodation and

Continues on Page 60

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 3 Lead (5) 9 Established (6) 10 Feverish (6) 11 Pale (5) 12 Impel (4) 15 Rodents (4) 17 Step (7) 20 Novel (3) 21 Keen (5) 23 Grumble (4) 25 Haze (4) 26 Produce (5) 28 Insect (3) 30 Wandering (7) 33 Thought (4) 35 Thoroughfare (4) 36 Divide (5) 38 Continued (6) 39 Exhausted (6) 40 Intended (5)

DOWN 1 Drug (5) 2 Dance (5) 3 Meadow (3) 4 Ascertain (6) 5 Cast (4) 6 Chicken (3) 7 Blemish (5) 8 Twist (5) 13 Revoke (7) 14 Composition (5) 16 Some (7) 18 Bird (5) 19 Jewel (3) 22 Emulate (5) 24 Large (3) 27 Forced (6) 28 Passage (5) 29 Taut (5) 31 Accepted (5) 32 Surrendered (5) 34 Paddle (4) 36 Border (3) 37 Newt (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Bestow 5, Frigid 9, Maple 10, Street 11, Newer 14, Deem 17, Rot 18, Fame 20, Eater 22, Pared 23, Rotated 24, Beige 26, Tenet 29, Edge 30, Ply 32, Dave 33, Layer 35, Editor 36, Airbus 37, Start 38, Treaty 39, Needed.

DOWN: 1, Beside 2, Sorbet 3, Omen 4, Water 5, Fleet 6, Rear 7, Guitar 8, Darted 13, Womanly 15, Eased 16, Merge 18, Faded 19, Meter 21, Roe 22, Pet 24, Bereft 25, Ignite 27, Nabbed 28, Teased 30, Party 31, Yearn 33, Lost 34, Rite.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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